- May 21, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The 2026 NFL trade deadline approaches, but last year's market set a high bar with 27 players moved in-season—the most in a quarter century. A year later, the results are in on the biggest deals.
No trade aged worse than the Colts acquiring Sauce Gardner. Indianapolis gave up multiple picks including a 2027 first-rounder, and the two-time All-Pro cornerback regressed sharply in 17 games. The move helped cost general manager Chris Ballard his job midseason. Meanwhile, the Jets built an exciting young offensive core with the returned assets.
The Eagles fared far better with their rental of Jaelan Phillips. The pass rusher played some of the best football of his career down the stretch, helping Philadelphia reach the playoffs. Though he departed in free agency for four years and $120 million, the Eagles should recoup a 2027 third-round compensatory pick—effectively breaking even on their investment.
Other notable outcomes: Joe Flacco went 1-5 as Cincinnati's fill-in starter but kept the offense functional; Kyle Dugger delivered two interceptions and a pick-six for Pittsburgh after a Patriots salary dump; and Dalvin Tomlinson has produced individually for Dallas without fixing the broader defensive struggles.
Mickey's Angle: The lesson is clear—rentals on expiring deals carry far less risk than mortgaging future picks for big names who might not fit. Sellers collecting draft capital for departing players often come out ahead.
Source: CBS Sports - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.