Five 2026 NFL trades face risk of becoming costly missteps
Teams exchanged 18 players before the deadline, but injuries and early performance stats cast doubt on deals involving Jordan Davis, Marvin Harrison Jr., Kirk Cousins, Joey Porter Jr., and Quenton Nelson.
By Lauren Foster ·
Fans in Jacksonville, Houston, Dallas, Seattle, and Minnesota now watch their teams' defensive or offensive units with a closer eye than usual. The 2026 NFL season featured 18 in-season trades, each carrying the risk that a team paid too high a price for a player who does not deliver. The league’s recent history, particularly the Indianapolis Colts' acquisition of Sauce Gardner for two first-round picks in 2025, serves as a cautionary tale for these current deals.
The most direct comparison to the Gardner trade involves Jeffery Simmons, who moved from the Tennessee Titans to the Chicago Bears in exchange for two first-round picks. However, Simmons has not yet shown signs of being a bust. He recorded a sack and a pass breakup in each of his first two games with Chicago. He also added a tackle for loss in his debut, helping to elevate the Bears' defensive unit. The Bears are currently contending for the Super Bowl, and early indications suggest the trade is working in their favor.
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded a 2027 first-round pick and a 2029 second-rounder for defensive tackle Jordan Davis. This move was driven by an immediate need after DaVon Hamilton suffered a season-ending torn quad muscle. Davis has not yet proven his worth as a pass rusher, having never recorded more than 4.5 sacks in a single season. For the trade to be viewed as a success, Davis must significantly improve the Jaguars' run defense and contribute to a Super Bowl run, as the team fights for the AFC's No. 1 seed.
The Houston Texans acquired Marvin Harrison Jr. from the Arizona Cardinals for a second-round pick. Harrison, the 2023 Biletnikoff Award winner, has struggled to find his rhythm in his new offense. In three games since joining Houston, he has not caught more than three passes in a single contest. He has run only 29 total routes and has played every snap off the bench. His role is further complicated by a crowded receiving corps that includes Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Tank Dell, and Kayshon Boutte.
The Minnesota Vikings traded a third-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for quarterback Kirk Cousins. At 38 years old, Cousins is on pace for his first 40-touchdown season in his career. He previously played under Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and earned a Pro Bowl selection. However, his success in Las Vegas was aided by a quarterback-friendly system under coach Klint Kubiak. It remains uncertain if he can replicate that production in Minnesota, where he previously struggled after an Achilles tear.
The Dallas Cowboys traded a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-rounder to the Pittsburgh Steelers for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Porter has faced availability issues, missing games due to illness and an ankle injury. In his limited action, he has allowed opponents to post a passer rating of 47.9 or lower. The Cowboys' defense, currently the third-worst in the league in yards allowed per game, has not shown a marked improvement since his arrival. Porter's contract status also raises questions, as he may not be retained past this season.
The Seattle Seahawks acquired guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Nelson is currently listed as week-to-week following a minor procedure on his knee to remove cartilage fragments. He will sit out Week 10. Before his injury, the Seahawks' running game had not improved, with the team rushing for only 81 yards in his debut. The trade's value depends on Nelson's ability to return to full health and revitalize Seattle's ground attack before the end of the season.
