NFL Trade Deadline Day: Key Moves and Grades for Every Trade

NFL Trade Deadline Day: A Flurry of Moves

The NFL trade deadline day was filled with excitement and surprise, living up to the hype that had been building for weeks. With significant trades involving star players such as Davante Adams, DeAndre Hopkins, and Amari Cooper already making headlines, the deadline saw even more action as teams made strategic moves to bolster their rosters. Here’s a detailed analysis and grades for every trade that occurred in the final hours leading up to the deadline:

49ers Acquire DT Khalil Davis from Texans

The San Francisco 49ers traded a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Houston Texans in exchange for defensive tackle Khalil Davis.

Why They Made the Move

The 49ers were in desperate need of reinforcement on their defensive line. With Javon Hargrave sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a torn triceps, and other key players like Maliek Collins, Jordan Elliott, and Kevin Givens dealing with injuries, the Niners required a reliable run-stopping presence. Davis, who has played every game this season but has had minimal impact statistically, was seen as a low-risk addition to their defensive depth.

49ers Grade: C – The Niners opted for a future seventh-rounder over a street free agent, which seems prudent given their current injury situation.
Texans Grade: C – The Texans had the depth to move Davis and now add a late-round pick that could be useful for future trades.

Ravens Acquire CB Tre’Davious White from Rams

The Baltimore Ravens traded a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for cornerback Tre’Davious White and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick.

Why They Made the Move

White, a once elite cornerback, has struggled to regain his form following serious injuries. The Ravens, needing help in their secondary, saw potential in White as a leadership figure and a possible contributor as they aim for a Super Bowl run.

Ravens Grade: Why Not – Although White may not return to his All-Pro status, the Ravens are betting on his experience and work ethic.
Rams Grade: Satisfactory – The Rams handled the situation with class, allowing White to find a new home where he can compete for a championship.

Steelers Acquire DL Preston Smith from Packers

The Pittsburgh Steelers traded a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Green Bay Packers for linebacker Preston Smith.

Why They Made the Trade

With injuries affecting their edge-rushing depth, the Steelers sought to reinforce their pass rush. Smith, while not in his prime, adds valuable experience and size to a unit that aims to keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Steelers Grade: B+ – A solid trade for depth that offers significant upside without much risk.
Packers Grade: B – The Packers free up cap space while acknowledging Smith’s declining production, making this a sensible move.

Steelers Acquire WR Mike Williams from Jets

The Steelers traded a fifth-round pick to the New York Jets for wide receiver Mike Williams.

Why They Made the Move

Williams, who struggled to fit into the Jets’ system, provides the Steelers with a deep-threat option to complement their passing game, especially with Russell Wilson at quarterback.

Steelers Grade: B – A potential upgrade at the No. 2 receiver position that could open up the offense significantly.
Jets Grade: B+ – The Jets received good value for a player who was not fitting into their plans.

Commanders Acquire CB Marshon Lattimore from Saints

The Washington Commanders traded multiple draft picks to acquire cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints.

Why They Made the Move

With their sights set on a playoff run, the Commanders needed a formidable presence in their secondary. Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler, is viewed as a key piece to help them maintain their momentum.

Commanders Grade: A- – An aggressive move to solidify their defense, signaling their commitment to winning now.
Saints Grade: A- – The Saints gained valuable draft capital while acknowledging their need for a rebuild.

Cowboys Acquire WR Jonathan Mingo from Panthers

The Dallas Cowboys traded a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo.

Why They Made the Move

With Mingo having fallen out of favor in Carolina, the Cowboys see potential in him as a long-term investment, aiming to enhance their receiving corps.

Cowboys Grade: Uhhh… – The risk is high, but if Mingo develops, this could become a beneficial trade.
Panthers Grade: B – Capitalizing on a player who was not fitting their system is a wise move for a rebuilding team.

Bengals Acquire RB Khalil Herbert from Bears

The Cincinnati Bengals traded a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Chicago Bears for running back Khalil Herbert.

Why They Made the Move

With injuries to their backfield, the Bengals needed reliable depth, and Herbert brings a track record of explosive plays to the team.

Bengals Grade: A – This trade signals the Bengals’ intent to remain competitive while addressing immediate needs.
Bears Grade: B – Offloading Herbert for a pick while helping him find a new opportunity was a fair move for the Bears.

Lions Acquire LB Za’Darius Smith from Browns

The Detroit Lions traded a fifth-round and sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for linebacker Za’Darius Smith.

Why They Made the Move

With injuries to key players, the Lions sought to bolster their pass rush, acquiring Smith who still possesses the ability to impact games significantly.

Lions Grade: B – A savvy move to address a need without sacrificing too much capital.
Browns Grade: C+ – A decent return for a player who was not in their long-term plans as they shift focus.

Cardinals Acquire LB Baron Browning from Broncos

The Arizona Cardinals traded a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Denver Broncos for edge rusher Baron Browning.

Why They Made the Move

In search of pass-rushing help, the Cardinals targeted Browning, who has shown flashes of potential despite injury setbacks.

Cardinals Grade: B- – A calculated risk that could yield significant rewards if Browning reaches his potential.
Broncos Grade: C+ – A prudent decision to offload a player not fitting into their future plans, while saving some cap space.

More Trade Grades: