We will be recapping what happened the day of the NFL trade deadline with grades for each side and who I believe won the trade.
Lions upgrade with former NFC North pass rusher
Lions received: EDGE Za’Darius Smith and 2026 seventh-rounder
- Grade: A
Browns received: 2025 fifth-rounder and 2026 sixth-rounder
- Grade: C+
I believe the Lions won this trade overall as they add much needed pass rush help with Hutchinson being out. Overall though, this was not a bad trade for the Browns as it was clear Smith wanted to be moved and win, and the Browns are trending in the wrong direction winning wise.
Steelers add another pass rusher to an already stacked group
Steelers received: EDGE Preston Smith
- Grade: B-
Packers received: 2025 seventh-rounder
- Grade: C+
I am going to be honest, I have no clue who won this trade. Steelers add pass rush help when they really do not need it, and the Packers ship off a pass rusher when they need help. Overall just a weird and unexpected trade.
Commanders gain much needed secondary help
Commanders received: CB Marshon Lattimore and 2025 fifth-rounder
- Grade: A
Saints received: 2025 third-rounder, 2025 fourth rounder and 2025 sixth-rounder
- Grade: A
I am going to lean and say the Commanders won this trade, but this is just great all around. Commanders get the help their weak secondary much needed while the Saints seem to be officially going towards the rebuild they need to do. A great trade for two opposite teams.
Steelers finally add a receiver after months of trying
Steelers received: WR Mike Williams
- Grade: B+
Jets received: 2025 fifth-rounder (which every one is lower as the Steelers have two fifths)
- Grade: B
I think the Steelers won this deal, but overall it is a win-win for both sides. The Steelers added a new weapon for their pass attack in Williams who was almost a Steeler over the off-season. The Jets added a draft pick for a player they no longer needed.
Ravens add former AFC East cornerback
Ravens received: CB Tre’Davious White and 2027 seventh-rounder
- Grade: C+
Rams received: 2026 seventh-rounder
- Grade: B+
A lot of people might disagree with me on this, but I think the Rams won this trade. Let me explain. White has not been good at all this year and the fact the Rams got any value for him is just crazy to me. This still is not a bad trade for the Ravens though, as they are throwing pretty much nothing for a position of need.
Bengals grab running back in news of Zack Moss injury
Bengals received: RB Khalil Herbert
- Grade: B
Bears received: 2025 seventh-rounder
- Grade: C
I think it is clear the Bengals won this trade. Bengals’ RB Zack Moss is expected to be out for the season. They had a need at RB2 and Herbert will fill that role well. The Bears have had RBs D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson shown out so far this season, and this left Herbert out of a job.
Cowboys add former second-year receiver
Cowboys received: WR Jonathan Mingo and 2025 seventh-rounder
- D
Panthers received: 2025 fourth-rounder
- B+
Panthers won, end of story. Interesting move by the Cowboys to say the least. I mean this respectfully, but Mingo has been one of the worst WRs in football the past two seasons and you gave up a fourth for him?
49ers add defensive tackle depth in last second move
49ers received: DT Khalil Davis
- C+
Texans received: 2026 seventh-rounder
- C
Not much to say here, the 49ers needed depth and they added depth. The Texans did not really need their fourth-string DT, so it makes sense to get whatever value you could out of him. Overall, a win-win trade for both sides.
