A flurry of trades ahead of the 2026 NFL trade deadline on November 10 has reshaped rosters across the league, with the Chicago Bears emerging as the biggest winners after acquiring defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, while the Indianapolis Colts became the most aggressive sellers by dealing Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. Several contenders are still evaluating moves for stars like Jonathan Taylor, Khalil Mack, and George Pickens as the deadline approaches.
November 4: Ravens Acquire Jacoby Brissett Amid Quarterback Crisis
The Baltimore Ravens agreed to trade for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett, with compensation yet to be announced. The move comes after starter Lamar Jackson suffered a thumb injury and was placed on injured reserve, backup Tyler Huntley was lost for the season with a turf toe injury, and emergency third quarterback Joe Fagnano is dealing with an ankle injury. Brissett, who spent the last two seasons with the Cardinals, provides immediate depth.
October 29: Bears Go All-In for Jeffery Simmons
The Chicago Bears sent a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick, and a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Simmons made an immediate impact with a sack and six tackles in his debut, a 34-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The trade grades: Bears A-, Titans C+.
October 27: DeForest Buckner Returns to 49ers; Quenton Nelson Traded to Seahawks
The San Francisco 49ers acquired Buckner from the Colts for a 2027 fourth-round pick, reuniting the defensive tackle with the team that drafted him in 2016. The 49ers needed interior line help after injuries to CJ West and Alfred Collins. Trade grades: 49ers A, Colts B+.
On the same day, the Seattle Seahawks acquired All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson from Indianapolis for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. The Seahawks also stand to receive a compensatory third-round pick in 2027. Trade grades: Seahawks A, Colts C+.
October 11: Texans Trade for Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Houston Texans sent a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals for Harrison and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Harrison reunites with college quarterback C.J. Stroud, though his first two games were underwhelming. Trade grades: Texans C-, Cardinals B+.
October 7: Ravens Add Center Cam Jurgens
Baltimore acquired Jurgens and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The move addresses the Ravens' interior offensive line and allows Olaivavega Ioane to move back to right guard. Trade grades: Ravens B+, Eagles B-.
October 1: Cowboys Land Cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Dallas sent a 2028 second-round pick and a conditional 2027 sixth-round pick (which vested after Porter was active for two games) to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Porter. The cornerback allowed a 39.6 passer rating and three completions on 11 targets in his first four games. Trade grades: Cowboys C, Steelers B-.
September 28: Giants Acquire Quarterback J.J. McCarthy
New York traded a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for McCarthy after Jaxson Dart suffered torn knee ligaments. McCarthy threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in his first start, leading the Giants to a road win over the Texans. Trade grades: Giants C, Vikings B+.
