NFL trade deadline: 4 winners, 5 losers as Vikings land a QB, Chargers stand pat and Bengals blunder

Vikings strengthen quarterback position

Minnesota is trading a 2027 third-round pick for Kirk Cousins, a 15-year veteran. Through Week 9, he had 20 passing touchdowns, second in the league, and 2,340 passing yards, fifth overall.

The Vikings entered the second half with Wentz and Kyler Murray as their top quarterback options. Cousins gives an offense backed by a championship-caliber defense more credibility and keeps Minnesota in the Super Bowl picture.

Chiefs add Josh Downs

The 2023 third-round pick had 33 catches for 354 yards and one touchdown through nine games. He joins a Chiefs passing offense led by Patrick Mahomes, where he could find a role as Xavier Worthy has 33 receptions for 278 yards and Rashee Rice has missed time with a hamstring injury.

San Francisco and Buffalo add help

The 49ers acquired Keenan Allen from Indianapolis to bolster a receiver group affected by injuries, including Mike Evans. Allen is expected to fit into a San Francisco receiving room that has featured several older wideouts.

Buffalo traded a second-round pick and a fifth-round pick for Titans safety Amani Hooker. The Bills rank 29th against the pass, despite holding the Ravens and Vikings to a combined 195 passing yards in recent wins against offenses led by Wentz and undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano.

Several teams leave needs unmet

Denver explored deals for running back Taylor and tight end Trey McBride, but instead acquired linebacker Daiyan Henley. The former Chargers starter was a solid addition, yet the Broncos rank 29th in total offense at 277.3 yards per game entering Week 10.

The Rams stood pat despite injuries to receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, both on injured reserve. The Chargers also made no move, while the Bengals nearly traded for Eagles edge-rusher Arnold Ebiketie before withdrawing after recognizing the added cost.