Vikings, Bears Emerge as 2026 NFL Trade Deadline Winners as Chargers, Jaguars Draw Heat
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Nov 10
Vikings, Bears Emerge as 2026 NFL Trade Deadline Winners as Chargers, Jaguars Draw Heat
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 10
Summary
Minnesota gained the clearest deadline boost by landing 38-year-old Kirk Cousins, whose passing-touchdown production gives the Vikings a stronger shot to protect their NFC North lead.
Chicago also came out ahead even without a deadline-day splash, as its earlier trade for All-Pro tackle Jeffery Simmons has already helped lift the Bears from 10th to third in Super Bowl odds.
Los Angeles took the sharpest criticism for keeping expiring-contract veterans Khalil Mack and Donte Jackson, then sending linebacker Daiyan Henley to division rival Denver instead of stockpiling draft capital.
Jacksonville was faulted less for adding talent than for the price, surrendering a 2027 first and 2029 second for Jordan Davis plus a 2027 second for Jessie Bates III, who can leave after the season.
The broader takeaway was that a usually quiet NFL deadline produced unusually clear winners and losers, extending beyond teams to media figures such as Tom Pelissero and Dianna Russini.