The 2026 NFL trade deadline produced a wave of roster changes, with the Jacksonville Jaguars adding veteran safety Jessie Bates III and defensive tackle Jordan Davis, the Minnesota Vikings bringing back Kirk Cousins, and the Kansas City Chiefs acquiring receiver Josh Downs. Several contenders made targeted moves as the league entered the second half of the season.
Biggest moves from the 2026 NFL trade deadline
| Player | From | To | What the move means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirk Cousins, QB | Raiders | Vikings | Minnesota reunited with its former starter, sending a 2027 third-round pick to Las Vegas. |
| Jessie Bates III, S | Falcons | Jaguars | Jacksonville added an experienced, ball-hawking safety; Atlanta received a 2027 second-round and 2028 fifth-round pick. |
| Jordan Davis, DT | Eagles | Jaguars | Jacksonville added another major interior defensive presence to its front. |
| Keenan Allen, WR | Colts | 49ers | San Francisco added a veteran route runner; Indianapolis received a 2027 sixth-round pick. |
| Josh Downs, WR | Colts | Chiefs | Kansas City added a younger separator to its receiving group just before the deadline. |
| Daiyan Henley, LB | Chargers | Broncos | Denver strengthened its second level for the stretch run. |
| Amani Hooker, S | Titans | Bills | Buffalo added a veteran defensive back for its secondary. |
Jaguars make the biggest defensive statement
Jacksonville was among the most aggressive teams before the deadline, adding Jessie Bates III, Jordan Davis and Davon Godchaux. Bates brings extensive starting experience and playmaking production to the secondary, while Davis and Godchaux give the defensive line more size and depth.
The Jaguars’ move for Bates came at a significant cost: Atlanta received a 2027 second-round selection and a 2028 fifth-round selection. The trade reflects Jacksonville’s intent to strengthen its defense now rather than wait for future draft development.
Vikings reunite with Kirk Cousins
Minnesota acquired Cousins from the Raiders in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick. Cousins spent six seasons with the Vikings from 2018 through 2023 before signing with Atlanta in 2024 and later joining Las Vegas.
The reunion provides Minnesota with another experienced quarterback option as the team navigates the second half of the season. Cousins had started all nine games for the Raiders before the transaction, according to the Vikings’ announcement.
Chiefs and 49ers add receiving help
Kansas City acquired Josh Downs from Indianapolis, giving the Chiefs another option who can work underneath and create separation. The 49ers added Keenan Allen from the Colts in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round selection. Allen had recorded 40 catches for 351 yards and one touchdown in eight games with Indianapolis before the trade.
The moves show two contenders looking for more reliable options in the passing game as the season progresses. Allen brings experience and route precision, while Downs gives Kansas City a different profile and more flexibility in its receiving rotation.
What the deadline means for the playoff race
- Jacksonville: The Jaguars made a clear investment in defensive depth and veteran leadership.
- Minnesota: Cousins’ return adds experience and depth at the most important position.
- Kansas City: Downs gives the Chiefs another receiver to work into the offense.
- San Francisco: Allen provides an experienced target for the second half of the season.
- Denver and Buffalo: Henley and Hooker add defensive depth for playoff-chasing teams.
Sources and official transaction tracker
- NFL.com: 2026 trade deadline tracker
- Minnesota Vikings: Kirk Cousins acquired from Raiders
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Jessie Bates trade terms
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 2026 roster moves and acquisitions
- San Francisco 49ers: Keenan Allen acquired from Indianapolis
- Kansas City Chiefs: 2026 transactions
Deadline summary updated November 12, 2026. NFL trades are subject to league processing and any required physicals or roster moves.
