In a flurry of trades leading up to the deadline, several NFL teams have made significant roster changes to bolster their squads. The Cincinnati Bengals made headlines by acquiring veteran quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns to address their quarterback needs. This trade indicates a clear strategy in play for the Bengals as they look to bolster their offensive front.
The trade activity doesn’t end with the Bengals. The New York Jets’ Jermaine Johnson has publicly stated he does not expect to be traded, while the Philadelphia Eagles have been active in the market, trading for cornerback Michael Carter II and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick from the Jets. As teams continue to try to get their rosters into shape, the next few days should see even more action.
Bengals Secure Flacco and Other Key Trades
The Cincinnati Bengals acquired Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns in a move designed to solidify their quarterback position. The team has unfinished business as they look to improve their performance during the second half of the season. Flacco’s addition to the squad comes with legislative experience and unquestionable leadership.
Flacco’s arrival in Cincinnati adds depth to the Bengals’ quarterback roster, which had faced challenges earlier in the season. His comfort level with high-pressure situations has been the full extent of his career. This context is particularly important as the Bengals continue their push for a surprising playoff run.
The Browns have been active on the roster front as well. They swapped late-round picks with the Houston Texans to acquire offensive tackle Cam Robinson. This trade is the latest signal that Cleveland is focused on shoring up its offensive line while it continues to build toward the rest of this season and beyond.
Eagles and Jets Engage in Draft Pick Swap
In another notable trade, the Philadelphia Eagles made a calculated move by acquiring cornerback Michael Carter II from the New York Jets. The trade included sending John Metchie III and a 2027 sixth-rounder to the Jets. In return, the team received Carter and a seventh-round pick. This deal continues the Eagles’ trend toward shoring up their secondary with big names before pivotal divisional matchups.
Carter’s addition is viewed as a huge lift for the Eagles’ defense. His skillset and production profile really plugs in a lot of those holes defensively, specifically in coverage against some of the more dangerous threats we face. Just like that, the Eagles have put themselves in a great position to make a deep run come playoff time.
The Jets, with their trade of Carter, indicated they were not in a fire sale mode. Jermaine Johnson has stated, in no uncertain terms, that he does not expect to be traded.
“I’m definitely wanted here, and I want to stay here,” – Jermaine Johnson
This terse comment from Johnson further cements his loyalty to the Jets’ cause as they move through this trade bust.
Other Key Trades Around the League
The Los Angeles Rams have made a splash on the other side of the ball. They recently added cornerback Roger McCreary from the Tennessee Titans, sending a conditional fifth-round pick in 2026. McCreary’s addition should help to strengthen a Rams secondary that’s struggled at times this year. His talent as a cornerback should make their base defense, and many coverage disguises, wildly more effective.
In a related move, the San Francisco 49ers traded for New England Patriots edge rusher Keion White in a late-round draft pick swap for 2026. This trade further depicts the San Francisco 49ers intent on improving their pass rush. They’re getting ready for a vigorous post-season push.
In other news, the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed safety Kyle Dugger. This signing proves that Pittsburgh is serious about reinforcing its group of defensive backs. They are moving to add because offenses in their division have been quickly evolving their strategies.
Scanning the landscape, perhaps the most surprising aggressive move was the Ravens trading pass rusher Odafe Oweh. They traded a seventh-round pick in the deal to the Los Angeles Chargers, sending him to 2027. In exchange, they got back safety Alohi Gilman and a fifth-round pick in 2026. This swap gives Baltimore a chance to add depth at the safety position while giving Los Angeles further pass-rushing options.
Teams Continue to Evaluate Player Values
Even as the trade talks continue, at least a few teams feel comfortable taking a wait-and-see approach. While the Las Vegas Raiders are willing to move star receiver Jakobi Meyers, they’re not giving him away for anything. This approach is indicative of a broader concern and consideration for the value presented by players and what they may bring to other squads.
This year’s quarterback trades between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Cleveland Browns were as dramatic as any. They dealt cornerbacks Greg Newsome II and Tyson Campbell. For both teams the goal is to maximize their defensive units and improve team performance by making specific trades.
At the same time, Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson has demanded a trade. His thirst for change makes Cincinnati’s roster machete growing increasingly dangerous. As they head into the trade deadline, the team finds themselves in a crucial stretch.
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