32 grades on the 2026 NFL trade deadline: Who won, who lost and who did nothing?

The NFL trade deadline went down at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here's a breakdown of the trades and grades. Yahoo Sports' Eric Edholm assessed the NFC teams and Frank Schwab tackled the AFC. Trade activity is noted from late August:

NFC East: Cowboys | Giants | Eagles | Commanders NFC North : Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings NFC South: Falcons | Panthers | Saints | Buccaneers NFC West: Cardinals | Rams | 49ers | Seahawks

AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Patriots | Jets AFC North: Ravens | Bengals | Browns | Steelers AFC South: Texans | Colts | Jaguars | Titans AFC West: Broncos | Chiefs | Raiders | Chargers

CB Joey Porter Jr. (from Steelers, Oct. 1)

OL Broderick Jones (from Steelers, Aug. 29)

2027 fourth-round draft pick (from Steelers, part of Jones deal on Aug. 29)

2027 third-round draft pick (to Steelers, part of Jones deal on Aug. 29)

2027 sixth-round draft pick (to Steelers, part of Jones deal on Aug. 29)

2027 sixth-round draft pick (to Steelers, part of Porter deal on Oct. 1)

2028 second-round draft pick (to Steelers, part of Porter deal on Oct. 1)

The Cowboys' big move came on Oct. 1 when they traded for CB Joey Porter Jr. for multiple picks. Looking back now, the move looks good from a value standpoint, as Jessie Bates III ended up being traded for more, and Porter has played pretty well for Dallas. The problem is that Porter has played in only four of Dallas' six games, and the Cowboys are still treading water. Team owner Jerry Jones hinted that the Cowboys were still big-game hunting in the trade market, but nothing else emerged.

QB J.J. McCarthy (from Vikings, Sept. 28)

2027 fifth-round draft pick (to Vikings, part of McCarthy deal on Sept. 28)

The Giants have had a fascinating pre-deadline period, acquiring J.J. McCarthy for nickels on the dollar and potentially changing the team's landscape at the position. Jaxson Dart presumably remains the 2027 starter, but a strong finish from McCarthy could set up some interesting optics next offseason. They were sellers before the draft, trading Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati, but the Giants were shopping right up until the deadline as NFC East leaders. They reportedly went in hard on Jeffery Simmons and made the Colts a strong offer on Jonathan Taylor, but nothing materialized.

2027 fifth-round draft pick (from Ravens, part of Cam Jurgens deal on Oct. 7)

2028 second-round draft pick (from Ravens, part of Cam Jurgens deal on Oct. 7)

2027 first-round pick (from Jaguars, part of Jordan Davis deal on Nov. 9)

2029 second-round pick (from Jaguars, part of Jordan Davis deal on Nov. 9)

2027 seventh-round draft pick (to Ravens, part of Cam Jurgens deal on Oct. 7)

It has been a surprising turn of events with the Eagles — often among the more aggressive teams around deadline time — turning into sellers. Philadelphia dealt A.J. Brown this offseason but also traded for multiple players, so that felt like a separate situation. The in-season loss of Jalen Hurts has precipitated some of this movement, but the Eagles were already in sell mode with the Cam Jurgens trade the week prior to Hurts being diagnosed with blood clots. Trading Davis brought back some potentially great returns. It's not how we imagined it going, but the Eagles were smart to pivot, especially Hurts' murky future.

The Commanders were reportedly open to the idea of trading DT Daron Payne, whose contract expires after this season, but he suffered a broken foot, thus killing off any deal. The same might have been true for Javon Kinlaw, who is also on IR. The team's salary

cap situation is fine, but the Commanders are underwater at 2-5-1 and could use the draft-pick help. They've made only 11 selections combined the past two drafts, with a roster that needs an influx of young talent.

DT Jeffery Simmons (from Titans, Oct. 29)

2028 fifth-round draft pick (from Titans, part of Jeffery Simmons deal on Oct. 29)

2027 first-round draft pick (to Titans, part of Jeffery Simmons deal on Oct. 29)

2028 first-round draft pick (to Titans, part of Jeffery Simmons deal on Oct. 29)

2027 fourth-round draft pick (to Titans, part of Jeffery Simmons deal on Oct. 29)

It's possible we look back at the Simmons trade as the most impactful of the 2026 cycle. In Simmons' first game as a Bear, he took over against the Seahawks, giving the team and its fans hope for another Super Bowl run. Two first-round picks is potentially a significant cost for a defensive tackle, but if the Bears finish closer to the top of the standings, those picks might be worth about the same as the No.10 overall selection the Bengals paid for Dexter Lawrence. The Simmons trade was aggressive and could help put the Bears over the top. What's not to like?

2028 sixth-round draft pick (to Jets, part of Andre Cisco deal on Nov. 9)

The Lions were reportedly one of the first teams to inquire about Joey Porter Jr., and when he went to Dallas, Lions fans were not too happy with general manager Brad Holmes. The Lions have added safety depth, acquiring Cisco from the Jets. Their defensive concerns likely remain, even with stronger play of late, but Holmes resisted making any big moves.

RB Kaleb Johnson (from Steelers, Aug. 30)

2028 sixth-round draft pick (from Dolphins, part of Kyle McCord deal on Aug. 30)

2028 sixth-round draft pick (to Steelers, part of Kaleb Johnson deal on Aug. 30)

2028 seventh-round draft pick (to Rams, part of Mark Redman deal on Aug. 30)

The Packers started the season 1-2 but have ripped off five wins in their past six games and are emerging as a sneaky title contender, especially with Micah Parsons on his way back. That likely will have to count Green Bay's big "acquisition" this season, although they did reportedly kick the tires on Jonathan Taylor amid Josh Jacobs' once-uncertain status. Do the Packers have enough to make a big run? We'll find out.

2027 sixth-round draft pick (from Patriots, part of Walter Rouse deal on Aug. 30)

2027 fifth-round draft pick (from Giants, part of J.J. McCarthy deal on Sept. 28)

2027 seventh-round draft pick (to Patriots, part of Walter Rouse deal on Aug. 30)

2027 third-round draft pick (to Raiders, part of Cousins deal on Nov. 10)

The Vikings shipped out McCarthy to the Giants, and it seemed to backfire initially with McCarthy showing early promise in New York and Carson Wentz struggling against the Bills in place of an injured Kyler Murray. That prompted the Vikings to bring Kirk Cousins back to Minnesota, where he played for head coach Kevin O'Connell previously, in a desperate attempt to provide offensive stability. The Vikings have a world-class defense, and it would be criminal not to give that unit a fighting chance to compete for a Super Bowl. We'll see how quickly Cousins can re-integrate into the system, but a third-round pick likely means they're serious about him starting quickly.

DT Gervon Dexter Sr. (from Bears, Aug. 30)

2027 second-round draft pick (from Jaguars, part of Jessie Bates III deal on Nov. 9)

2028 fifth-round draft pick (from Jaguars, part of Jessie Bates III deal on Nov. 9)

sixth-round draft pick (from Ravens, part of Ryan Neuzil deal on Nov. 10)

CB Clark Phillips III (to Bears, Aug. 30)

2027 fifth-round draft pick (to Bears, part of Gervon Dexter Sr. deal on Aug. 30)

You can say the Falcons were technically in a divisional playoff race when they dumped Jessie Bates III for draft picks. On the other hand, you can also reasonably understand the thinking of the trade when you consider the terrific value Atlanta received and also that the Falcons likely were more fool's-gold contenders. They'll have a good allotment of draft picks heading into what should be a significant offseason for the franchise.

DT TeRah Edwards (from Chargers, Aug. 30)

2028 sixth-round draft pick (to Chargers, part of TeRah Edwards deal on Aug. 30)

The Panthers spent big on two defensive pieces this offseason, signing Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd for big money, and they've mostly rested on their laurels since. The results have been underwhelming, and Carolina sits at 3-5. That's miraculously tied for first place. The Panthers are contenders, but they're not overextending themselves for a big run at the NFC South crown.

2028 sixth-round draft pick (from Jaguars, part of Davon Godchaux deal on Nov. 9); could elevate to a 2027 sixth-round pick

The Saints' first pre-deadline move was to ship out Godchaux to the Jaguars for a future Day 3 pick. It was not the kind of inspiring move some fans hoped for after a dramatic win over the Browns, keeping the Saints in the divisional hunt. Realistically, the Saints were always more likely to be sellers than buyers, with limited upside this season.

Like most NFC South teams, the Buccaneers had been more connected to selling than buying. Vita Vea's name popped up in some trade rumors in the past week, with the Giants reportedly among the teams interested, but nothing materialized after Vea signed a one-year, $30 million extension in August. And despite the Bucs needing some skill-position help on offense, they apparently were willing to wait until the offseason for any major additions.

2028 seventh-round draft pick (from Jaguars, part of Hunter Long deal on Aug. 30)

2028 seventh-round draft pick (from Patriots, part of Corey Kiner deal on Aug. 29)

2027 second-round draft pick (from Texans, part of Marvin Harrison Jr. deal on Oct. 12)

2027 seventh-round draft pick (from Texans, part of Marvin Harrison Jr. deal on Oct. 12)

2027 fourth-round draft pick (from Ravens, part of Jacoby Brissett deal on Nov. 4)

2028 seventh-round draft pick (from Ravens, part of Jacoby Brissett deal on Nov. 4)

2028 sixth-round draft pick (to Jaguars, part of Hunter Long deal on Aug. 30)

WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (to Texans, Oct. 12)

2027 sixth-round draft pick (to Texans, part of Marvin Harrison Jr. deal on Oct. 12)

2027 fifth-round draft pick (to Ravens, part of Jacoby Brissett deal on Nov. 4)

The Cardinals sent Harrison to the Texans back on Oct. 11 in a move that all but admitted defeat on the pick. Since the trade, Harrison has caught six passes for 60 yards and a score, so perhaps Arizona did well getting what it could for a depreciating asset. The Jacoby Brissett trade was a no-brainer; there was no real reason to keep him around, getting two picks in return. This is a multi-year rebuild for a team still seeking several franchise pillars, so it's smart to continue stacking resources for the offseason without dealing off players such as Trey McBride.

2028 seventh-round draft pick (from Packers, part of Mark Redman deal on Aug. 30)

RB Jarquez Hunter (to Dolphins, Aug. 27)

The Rams stood pat at the deadline despite losing starting receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua to injuries. One reason is that the Rams made two major trades this offseason, landing Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie. Their pick allotment has been seriously dented over the next three draft cycles. Another reason to be quiet at the deadline: money. The Rams are cap-strapped, sitting right at the mark, with little or no realistic flexibility. They may have wanted to do something dramatic to help turn around their Super Bowl-hopeful season, but the Rams will have to roll mostly with what they have.

OL Jarrett Patterson (from Texans, Aug. 30)

DT DeForest Buckner (from Colts, Oct. 27)

2027 seventh-round draft pick (to Texans, part of Jarrett Patterson deal on Aug. 30)

2027 fourth-round draft pick (to Colts, part of DeForest Buckner deal on Oct. 27)

2027 sixth-round draft pick (to Colts, part of Keenan Allen deal on Nov. 10)

Bringing DeForest Buckner back felt like a smart move, filling a thin position and giving the Niners a familiar face in the locker room at the cost of a Day 3 pick. They'll still need to re-sign Buckner to get better value from the trade, but that feels entirely likely at this point. Even with the health forecast at receiver appearing to be improve, the Niners also picked up Keenan Allen, who can be quality Mike Evans insurance. The secondary was one spot they could have upgraded, with Renardo Green and Deommodore Lenoir both injured in Week 9, but they opted to stand pat there.

2027 sixth-round draft pick (to Chargers, part of Avery Smith deal on Aug. 30)

2027 third-round draft pick (to Colts, part of Quenton Nelson deal on Oct. 27)

2028 fifth-round draft pick (to Colts, part of Quenton Nelson deal on Oct. 27)

The Quenton Nelson trade was a big swing, but it came with bad luck when it was discovered after his first game that he needed a minor, in-season knee procedure. It's not expected to keep Nelson down for too long, with the Seahawks not expected to place him on injured reserve, but it hurts them in the short term. They paid a good price for Nelson, who's a free agent next spring, and the Seahawks presumably would like to re-sign him if his knee is good.

2027 sixth-round draft pick (from Colts, part of Sedrick Van Pran-Granger deal on Aug. 30)

2027 fifth-round draft pick (from Titans, part of Amani Hooker deal on Nov. 10)

C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (to Colts, Aug. 30)

2027 seventh-round draft pick (to Colts, part of Sedrick Van Pran-Granger deal on Aug. 30)

2027 second-round draft pick (to Titans, part of Hooker deal on Nov. 10)

The Bills had been watching other contenders make moves before the trade deadline, and knew they had to do something. They made a fairly big move for safety Amani Hooker, who was having a very good season for the Titans. The Bills defense has looked better lately, but that came against terrible quarterback play. Buffalo cut problematic safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson a few weeks ago and needed a replacement, and came up with an upgrade.

2028 sixth-round draft pick (from Jaguars, part of Quinn Ewers deal on Aug. 29)

2028 sixth-round draft pick (to Packers, part of Kyle McCord deal on Aug. 30)

The Dolphins didn't have many trade assets, but they did have a few. Offensive tackle Austin Jackson and defensive tackle Zach Sieler could have been moved but weren't. Sieler in particular seemed obvious to move, as he's 31 on a team in a long-term rebuild. The Dolphins could have used some picks for him.

2028 seventh-round draft pick (from Texans, part of Kayshon Boutte deal on Aug. 24)

RB Corey Kiner (from Cardinals, Aug. 29)

2027 seventh-round draft pick (from Vikings, part of Walter Rouse deal on Aug. 30)

2028 seventh-round draft pick (to Cardinals, part of Corey Kiner deal on Aug. 29)

2027 sixth-round draft pick (to Vikings, part of Walter Rouse deal on Aug. 30)

The Patriots were surprisingly quiet before the deadline. Running back seemed like a big need with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson dealing with injuries. Interior offensive line could have used some help too. It's not egregious for the Patriots to not make a trade, but it could have helped.

OL Jordan Meredith (from Raiders, Aug. 30)

2029 seventh-round draft pick (from Raiders, part of Jordan Meredith deal on Aug. 30)

2028 sixth-round draft pick (from Lions, part of Andre Cisco deal on Nov. 9)

2027 sixth-round draft pick (to Raiders, part of Jordan Meredith deal on Aug. 30)

The Jets' big move was shipping safety Andre Cisco to the Lions for a sixth-round pick. And really, that's fine. Most of the Jets' big trade pieces were young players they should want to hold onto. They made big moves last season before the deadline to stockpile picks, so there was no need to be in the mix this year.

2028 seventh-round draft pick (from Giants, part of CJ Okoye deal on Aug. 29)

2028 sixth-round draft pick (from Chiefs, part of Diego Pounds deal on Aug. 29)

2027 seventh-round draft pick (from Eagles, part of Cam Jurgens deal on Oct. 7)

QB Jacoby Brissett (from Cardinals, Nov. 4)

2027 fifth-round draft pick (from Cardinals, part of Jacoby Brissett deal on Nov. 4)

sixth-round draft pick (to Falcons, part of Ryan Neuzil deal on Nov. 10)

2027 fifth-round draft pick (to Eagles, part of Cam Jurgens deal on Oct. 7)

2028 second-round draft pick (to Eagles, part of Cam Jurgens deal on Oct. 7)

The Ravens traded for Jacoby Brissett just to have some hope on offense. There was none with Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley on IR. It was a little surprising to see a fourth-round pick involved, though Baltimore got a fifth-round pick back. But that move without any follow-up is a bit odd: Brissett isn't going to save the season, there was nothing else added to help out but yet the Ravens traded picks to be … what exactly? The Ravens got center Cam Jurgens weeks ago, but that came at the hefty price of a second-round pick to Philadelphia.

The Bengals made their big trade in the offseason when they sent a first-round pick to the Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II. That trade had a profound impact on the defense, but doesn't count for this grade. It would have been nice to see the Bengals make more additions before the deadline, especially with Joe Burrow playing at an MVP level.

The one move that could have and probably should have happened was trading receiver Jerry Jeudy. Maybe there wasn't much of a market for him, but he's also not making a big impact for a Browns team that is turning to its young rookie receivers. Not making any moves is fine though a Jeudy trade would have been wise.

2027 third-round draft pick (from Cowboys, part of Broderick Jones deal on Aug. 29)

2027 sixth-round draft pick (from Cowboys, part of Broderick Jones deal on Aug. 29)

2028 sixth-round draft pick (from Packers, part of Kaleb Johnson deal on Aug. 30)

2028 second-round draft pick (from Cowboys, part of Joey Porter Jr. deal on Oct. 1)

2027 sixth-round draft pick, conditional (from Cowboys, part of Joey Porter Jr. deal on Oct. 1)

OT Broderick Jones (to Cowboys, Aug. 29)

2027 fourth-round draft pick (to Cowboys, part of Broderick Jones deal on Aug. 29)

The Steelers simply had enough with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and traded him to the Cowboys for a second- and sixth-round pick, which was a nice return for a player who was becoming a distraction.

WR Kayshon Boutte (from Patriots, Aug. 24)

2027 seventh-round draft pick (from 49ers, part of Jarrett Patterson deal on Aug. 30)

OT Nathan Thomas (from Cowboys, Aug. 30)

WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (from Cardinals, Oct. 12)

2027 sixth-round draft pick (from Cardinals, part of Marvin Harrison Jr. deal on Oct. 12)

2028 seventh-round draft pick (to Patriots, part of Kayshon Boutte deal on Aug. 24)

OL Jarrett Patterson (to 49ers, Aug. 30)

2027 seventh-round draft pick (to Cowboys, part of Nathan Thomas deal on Aug. 30)

2027 second-round draft pick (to Cardinals, part of Marvin Harrison Jr. deal on Oct. 12)

2027 seventh-round draft pick (to Cardinals, part of Marvin Harrison Jr. deal on Oct. 12)

Getting Marvin Harrison Jr., and giving up a second-round pick, seemed like a steep price for a receiver who has been a big disappointment in the NFL. He has six catches for 60 yards in three games, and that's the type of production that can be found off someone's practice squad.

C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (from Bills, Aug. 30)

2027 seventh-round draft pick (from Bills, part of Sedrick Van Pran-Granger deal on Aug. 30)

2027 third-round draft pick (from Seahawks, part of Quenton Nelson deal on Oct. 27)

2028 fifth-round draft pick (from Seahawks, part of Quenton Nelson deal on Oct. 27)

2027 fourth-round draft pick (from 49ers, part of DeForest Buckner deal on Oct. 27)

2027 fourth-round draft pick (from Chiefs, part of Josh Downs deal on Nov. 10)

2027 fifth-round draft pick (from Chiefs, part of Josh Downs deal on Nov. 10)

2027 sixth-round draft pick (from 49ers, part of Keenan Allen deal on Nov. 10)

2027 sixth-round draft pick (to Bills, part of Sedrick Van Pran-Granger deal on Aug. 30)

2027 seventh-round draft pick (to Chiefs, part of Josh Downs deal on Nov. 10)

The Colts started early, trading defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and guard Quenton Nelson for third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks. They also got a sixth for veteran Keenan Allen, which was smart. Moving Josh Downs for fourth- and fifth-round picks was fine too. But no Jonathan Taylor trade? What's the point in keeping him? Daniel Jones was never going to be moved, but Taylor should have been. Trading all those players and not even getting a single first- or second-round pick is a bit disappointing.

2028 sixth-round draft pick (from Cardinals, part of Hunter Long deal on Aug. 30)

S Jessie Bates III (from Falcons, Nov. 9)

2028 sixth-round draft pick (to Dolphins, part of Quinn Ewers deal on Aug. 29)

2028 seventh-round draft pick (to Cardinals, part of Hunter Long deal on Aug. 30)

2027 second-round draft pick (to Falcons, part of Jessie Bates III deal on Nov. 9)

2028 fifth-round draft pick (to Falcons, part of Jessie Bates III deal on Nov. 9)

2028 sixth-round draft pick (to Saints, part of Davon Godchaux deal on Nov. 9); could elevate to a 2027 sixth-round pick

2027 first-round pick (to Eagles, part of Jordan Davis deal on Nov. 9)

2029 second-round pick (to Eagles, part of Jordan Davis deal on Nov. 9)

We can't ignore the cost involved with the Jaguars' series of trades. They traded away a first-round pick, two seconds, a fifth and a sixth. But the mission is clear: Safety Jessie Bates III and defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Davon Godchaux are coming to help the Jaguars make their first Super Bowl. You have to admire the courage to be aggressive and chase a title.

2027 first-round draft pick (from Bears, part of Jeffery Simmons deal on Oct. 29)

2028 first-round draft pick (from Bears, part of Jeffery Simmons deal on Oct. 29)

2027 fourth-round draft pick (from Bears, part of Jeffery Simmons deal on Oct. 29)

2027 second-round draft pick (from Bills, part of Amani Hooker deal on Nov. 10)

2028 fifth-round draft pick (to Bears, part of Jeffery Simmons deal on Oct. 29)

2027 fifth-round draft pick (to Bills, part of Amani Hooker deal on Nov. 10)

It hurts to trade Jeffery Simmons away. He was a great player for the Titans. But the reality for Tennessee is it's a one-win team and Simmons is 29 years old. Simmons might not still be great when the Titans start to turn the corner. To get two first-round picks back for Simmons was good business for a rebuilding team. It was also great to turn a hot start from safety Amani Hooker (and a fifth-round pick) into a second-round draft pick from the Bills.

LB Daiyan Henley (from Chargers, Nov. 10)

2027 fourth-round draft pick (to Chargers, part of Daiyan Henley deal on Nov. 10)

2028 fifth-round draft pick (to Chargers, part of Daiyan Henley deal on Nov. 10)

It seemed like the Broncos offense needed some help, but the defense got the boost. The Broncos got linebacker Daiyan Henley from the Chargers for a fourth- and fifth-round pick, which was a nice deal. Defense didn't seem like an obvious need but Henley is now Denver's best coverage linebacker, which was an area of weakness. There are still questions on offense that weren't addressed, but getting Henley was still a plus.

2027 seventh-round draft pick (from Colts, part of Josh Downs deal on Nov. 10)

2028 seventh-round draft pick (to Giants, part of Joshua Ezeudu deal on Aug. 26)

2028 sixth-round draft pick, conditional (to Ravens, part of Diego Pounds deal on Aug. 29)

2027 fourth-round draft pick (to Colts, part of Josh Downs deal on Nov. 10)

2027 fifth-round draft pick (to Colts, part of Josh Downs deal on Nov. 10)

The Chiefs needed some receiving help and Josh Downs has always been a player who should have been more productive in Indianapolis. Now the Chiefs have a chance to unlock his potential. The cost of a fourth- and fifth-round pick (with a seventh coming back to Kansas City) wasn't trivial but it was a worthwhile gamble.

2027 sixth-round draft pick (from Jets, part of Jordan Meredith deal on Aug. 30)

2027 third-round draft pick (from Vikings, part of Kirk Cousins deal on Nov. 10)

2029 seventh-round draft pick (to Jets, part of Jordan Meredith deal on Aug. 30)

Once we accept the 4-5 Raiders weren't a real playoff contender this season, the Kirk Cousins trade is brilliant. Cousins was going to start perhaps a few more games before the team shifted to Fernando Mendoza. But they flipped a half-season of Cousins into a third-round pick from the Vikings. That's not a move most teams who aren't completely dead in the playoff race would make. It was perfect for the Raiders.

2027 sixth-round draft pick (from Seahawks, part of Avery Smith deal on Aug. 30)

2028 sixth-round draft pick (from Panthers, part of TeRah Edwards deal on Aug. 30)

2027 fourth-round draft pick (from Broncos, part of Daiyan Henley deal on Nov. 10)

2028 fifth-round draft pick (from Broncos, part of Daiyan Henley deal on Nov. 10)

Teams don't often trade within the division, so it was surprising to see the Chargers trade linebacker Daiyan Henley to the Broncos. He's just 26 years old, though he is on the final year of his rookie deal and due a big pay raise. The Chargers got a good 2027 pick and a 2028 fifth, but that still seems light for a good, young player. And not trading Khalil Mack is simply befuddling.