18 trades for third year: ranking 5 biggest 2026 NFL trade deadline deals, Cousins and Henley

A busy deadline day

The deadline passed at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, ending one of the league year’s busiest days. ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter said there were 18 in-season trades, the third consecutive year the league reached or exceeded that mark.

Cousins returns to Minnesota

The Vikings, who are 6-2, brought back Kirk Cousins, a familiar option at quarterback. At 38, he was described as a stronger choice than Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz, whose QBR figures were 45.7 and 24.5, respectively.

Entering Week 10, Cousins ranked second in the NFL with 20 touchdown passes and fifth with 2,340 passing yards. He is expected to build on that production as he reconnects with seventh-year receiver Justin Jefferson.

Downs joins Kansas City

Receiver Downs appeared eager to join quarterback Patrick Mahomes, posting a GIF on X after the news. His arrival is expected to give the Chiefs’ passing game another weapon.

Travis Kelce led Kansas City with 482 receiving yards, while no other Chief had more than 292. Downs had 354 yards in nine games for Indianapolis, and his addition could help the Chiefs in non-play-action situations.

Bills add Hooker to secondary

Deal: Tennessee sent safety Amani Hooker and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Buffalo for a 2027 second-round pick. The Bills, 7-1, ranked 29th in passing yards allowed at 238.8 per game.

Hooker had five interceptions in seven games, tying for the league lead. Three came in a 43-36 overtime loss to Cincinnati in Week 8, giving Buffalo a playmaker for a secondary that has been a recurring concern.

Other moves add depth

San Francisco gained receiver depth while Mike Evans dealt with a lingering Achilles issue. Evans had 420 receiving yards, second on the team behind tight end George Kittle’s 483; no other 49ers receiver had more than 224.

The article also lists a deal sending linebacker Henley from the Chargers to Denver for 2027 fourth- and 2028 fifth-round picks. The 7-2 Broncos already ranked 10th in points allowed, giving them a potential luxury addition. It notes that Allen, 34, had 351 yards in eight games for Indianapolis, but does not identify a trade for him.