The NFL's fourth-most active trade deadline in history concluded with 18 in-season moves by the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday, as teams positioned for playoff runs or rebuilds. The deals sent star defensive tackles to contenders and quarterback help to struggling offenses, with several moves already showing impact.
CBS Sports ranked all 18 trades from most to least impactful, evaluating team needs, draft capital exchanged, and short- and long-term roster outlooks.
Top Deals
1. Minnesota Vikings acquire QB Kirk Cousins: The 38-year-old, on pace for a 40-touchdown season, gives the league's best defense the offensive lift needed to avoid low-scoring games and unlock Justin Jefferson.
2. Chicago Bears acquire DT Jeffery Simmons: The three-time All-Pro has already been a game-changer, wreaking havoc in his first two games and turning the defense into a significant asset for rookie QB Caleb Williams.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars acquire DT Jordan Davis: Jacksonville sent a first-round pick and a 2029 second-rounder for the franchise building block, who is under control through 2027. The move upgrades the defensive line after DaVon Hamilton's season-ending injury.
4. Jaguars acquire S Jessie Bates III: The three-time All-Pro safety addresses a pass defense ranked 22nd, though he is in the final year of his contract and could be a rental.
5. Buffalo Bills acquire S Amani Hooker: Tied for the league lead in interceptions, Hooker cost a second- and fifth-round pick and is under contract through 2028, raising the floor and ceiling for a Bills defense that needed a replacement for C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
Other Notable Moves
San Francisco 49ers reunited with DT DeForest Buckner (No. 6) to address injury-depleted defensive line. New York Giants acquired QB J.J. McCarthy (No. 7), who is 2-0 as a starter while Jaxson Dart is injured. Baltimore Ravens added QB Jacoby Brissett (No. 8) as a bridge until Lamar Jackson returns from thumb surgery.
Seattle Seahawks acquired G Quenton Nelson (No. 9), though he underwent a minor knee procedure and is a pending free agent. Dallas Cowboys added CB Joey Porter Jr. (No. 10), but he has missed time with illness and an ankle issue. Kansas City Chiefs acquired WR Josh Downs (No. 11) to balance an offense where wideouts account for just 46% of receiving yards.
Ravens also acquired C Cam Jurgens (No. 12), a two-time Pro Bowler, though early returns show 16 pressures allowed. The 49ers added WR Keenan Allen (No. 13) as a third option behind Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr. Houston Texans traded for WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 14), reuniting him with college QB C.J. Stroud, but he remains behind several receivers on the depth chart.
Denver Broncos acquired LB Daiyan Henley (No. 15) from the Chargers for two draft picks, adding rotational depth. Detroit Lions added S Andre Cisco (No. 16) to the NFL's worst pass defense, though Kerby Joseph's return will have greater impact. Jaguars also acquired DT Davon Godchaux (No. 17) as a run-stopping depth piece before landing Davis. Finally, Ravens acquired OL Ryan Neuzil (No. 18) from the Falcons, adding versatile interior line depth.
