NFL Trade Deadline: Winners and Losers
The NFL trade deadline often felt like a non-event, building up hype without much action—until this past Tuesday. The shifting dynamics of the 2025 season opened the door for more than 20 teams to aim for the playoffs with a strong finish, resulting in a flurry of trades. Some teams bolstered their rosters, others held tight, and a few chose to start fresh.
Let’s reflect on the league’s major winners and losers as the deadline came to a close.
It’s understandable to feel frustrated by the Jets’ decision to trade away two of their standout players. Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams aren’t going to be easily replaced. Yes, the team feels weaker now, but looking ahead, there’s reason for optimism. If the front office thinks a total rebuild is necessary, it’s wiser to not squander the talents of players like Gardner and Williams during this transition.
The Jets capitalized on a seller’s market, adding significant assets at the deadline. Here’s what they received:
- 2026 1st round pick (from Colts)
- 2026 2nd round pick (from the Cowboys)
- 2027 1st round pick (from Colts)
- 2027 1st round pick (from the Cowboys)
- WR Adonai Mitchell (from Colts)
- DT Maji Smith (from Cowboys)
This collection of draft picks can really reshape a team. Hiring Aaron Glenn might signal more about changing the culture than anything else, so Jets fans have to trust the process. Mitchell and Smith were essentially throw-ins in the deal, both of whom haven’t shown much since being drafted. Still, they have potential that could be worth taking a chance on.
However, one player on the Jets, Breece Hall, was really hoping for a trade but ended up disappointed. He expressed dissatisfaction with the team and sought a move, but nothing happened. New York was looking for a third-round pick, which seemed reasonable for a 24-year-old running back in a seller’s market, yet no one bit.
It’s surprising Hall didn’t get a deal, especially since he’s on pace to hit 1,000 rushing yards this season with a solid YPC. Now, he finds himself in a tough spot, stuck during the rebuild.
On a brighter note, Rashid Shahid of the Saints probably woke up feeling pretty good. While he’s had a decent run in New Orleans, his growth was stymied by the quarterback situation. Now, he’s off to Seattle, joining a high-powered passing offense that could really elevate his game.
This is a significant opportunity for him, especially with free agency on the horizon in 2026. Showcasing his skills in a competitive playoff environment could mean a substantial financial boost down the line, which beats being on a struggling team.
Loser: Potential Candidates
It raises eyebrows that teams like the Bills and Chiefs seemed to overlook the deadline. Sure, patience is valuable, but it’s hard to fathom that neither of these powerhouse AFC teams made a deal. Both organizations ended up with pressing needs that could have been addressed.
The Bills are lacking at receiver, the Chiefs have issues with their running game, and it’s clear Patrick Mahomes can’t carry the entire burden alone. Bringing in some fresh talent could have provided a significant advantage, but they opted to stay put.
In a season where any team could realistically capture the Super Bowl, one would think the Bills or Chiefs would make aggressive moves. Instead, they remained silent, which raises questions about their strategies moving forward.
I’m not against the idea of adding Quinnen Williams to a roster, but it feels like a step back overall. Jerry Jones made a big move to improve against the run, yet at what expense?
Williams will be a $21 million cap hit next year, complicating potential deals with other key players. It’s understandable to retain talent, but following in the footsteps of franchises that have struggled with salary cap issues doesn’t seem wise.
For all the trouble, keeping a 2026 first-round pick is a silver lining, but losing solid draft capital while dealing with salary cap concerns feels like a risky game.
Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles made the kind of smart moves I hoped to see from other teams. They know they’re contenders and made a strong trade to acquire EDGE Jalen Phillips (for a third-round pick) and cornerback Michael Carter II (for John Metchie III and a sixth-round pick). These kinds of strategic additions help fill gaps and reinforce their position.
What stands out is not just the transactions themselves, but they managed to do this without overspending—something other teams could have benefited from as well.
