The NFL trade deadline had an NBA feel to it, with several moves made as some teams improved for the stretch run while others focused on asset collection.
Eagles Acquire Defensive Help
The Philadelphia Eagles have become the team that makes the moves that always seem to work. When Howie Roseman calls, opposing GMs shouldn’t answer the phone.
The Eagles know the defense needs to have an extra punch for the playoffs, and they got that by acquiring Jaelen Phillips (Miami Dolphins), Jaire Alexander (Baltimore Ravens), and Michael Carter II (New York Jets). They were also able to grab additional draft assets (two 2027 second-round picks).
The Eagles sent out a third-round pick, two sixth-round picks, and wide receiver John Metchie III.
It’s a small price to pay to improve the pass rush, along with solidifying the secondary.
Jets Go NBA
When discussing asset-collecting strategies, it’s usually reserved for the NBA. It’s not an NFL thing because, on paper, the league is supposed to be built on the premise of “5-12 one year, 12-5 the next.”
If you’ve been paying attention, that hasn’t necessarily been happening in the NFL of late. It’s getting harder and harder to be an inefficient organization and thrive on the field.
The New York Jets have been one of those inefficient organizations, and they used the trade deadline to go full NBA.
Trading Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams have set up the Jets to have two first-round picks in 2026 and three first-round picks in 2027, along with two second-round choices in 2026.
Meyers on the Move
Jakobi Meyers wanted out of Las Vegas before the season started and the Raiders held tight. With the Raiders’ season being a carbon copy of what it has been of late, Meyers got his wish.
Meyers was sent to Jacksonville for a 2026 fourth-round and sixth-round pick. Getting traded to the Jaguars gives Meyers a chance to play for a playoff team.
