The 2026–27 mid-season trade deadline is approaching in just a few hours.
Mid-way through the season, the deadline allows for clubs to recuperate following injury and lineup needs ahead of the stretch run and the playoffs.
Injuries have driven several of this year's biggest moves.
Just this weekend Packers' running back Josh Jacobs fractured a finger against the Patriots, left in the first quarter, and didn't make it back. Rams receiver Puka Nacua hurt his knee, and it looks like he will miss at least four weeks on the IR.
All eyes are on the Jacksonville Jaguars as they've acquired Jordan Davis in exchange for the 2027 first-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick, in what was their third trade of the day.
Critics have questioned what seems to be a disproportionate move – are the Jaguars blinded by their ambitions for the Super Bowl?
The Jaguars have been moving, no doubt spurred by their current performance as they dominate the AFC. At the conclusion of week 9, the club has a 23.9 per cent chance of making the Super Bowl, and a 12.8 per cent chance of being victorious in it, according to ESPN's NFL Football Power Index.
Jacksonville also acquired safety Jessie Bates III and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, the Bates deal cost the Jaguars a future second-round pick and a fifth-round pick, sent to Atlanta, while the New Orleans Saints received a 2028 sixth-round pick in return for Godchaux.
On the other hand, the move was perfect for the Philadelphia Eagles who are already looking to rebuild for future seasons.
Unexpected injury ruled out Jalen Hurts for the remainder of the season, adding the former Super Bowl MVP to the list of Eagles casualties. Backup running backs Will Shipley and Dameon Pierce are on injured reserve, while superstar Saquon Barkley has also missed time. Offensive lineman Landon Dickerson, tight end Dallas Goedert and edge rusher AJ Epenesa have also all been sidelined at different points, and legendary OL Lane Johnson shockingly retired after the season had started.
The trade comes after Philadelphia have lost seven consecutive games, a swift demise from their form as Super Bowl Champions in February 2025.
GM Howie Roseman's strategy is well thought-out, and we're now looking at a team that may be ready to cut its losses for this season, but return next season strong.
The Eagles now own two 2027 first-round picks: their own, currently around fifth overall, and Jacksonville's, which is expected to land late in the round. The currently have the rights to ten first and second round picks over the next three drafts.
This speaks to ESPN NFL analysts Ben Solak and Seth Walder grading the trade as an A+ for the Eagles, and only time will tell if the deal shapes up to match the F rating for the Jaguars.
Elsewhere in the league, the New York Giants traded for QB J.J. McCarthy after Jaxson Dart was hurt, and the Baltimore Ravens added QB Jacoby Brissett after long-term injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.
