NFL Trade Deadline Reshapes 2026 Draft Order
The recent NFL trade deadline brought significant movements across teams, altering rosters and impacting the upcoming 2026 draft order. Several key players changed uniforms, showcasing both blockbuster trades and strategic acquisitions.
NFL Trade Deadline Highlights
- New York Jets: Traded cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Acquired receiver Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Seattle Seahawks: Secured receiver Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints.
Trade Details
Seattle and Jacksonville managed to acquire their players using Day 3 draft picks. In contrast, the Cowboys made a notable investment, trading a second-round pick in 2026 and a first-rounder in 2027 for Williams. Meanwhile, the Colts sent their first-round selections in 2026 and 2027, along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, to obtain Gardner.
These transactions significantly reshaped the talent landscape and impacted the draft calculations leading up to 2026, as teams evaluate their playoff prospects.
2026 NFL Draft Order
As the NFL season progresses past midseason, the draft order is taking form. Below is the current standing entering Week 10:
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | 1-8 |
| Tennessee Titans | 1-8 |
| New York Jets | 1-7 |
| Miami Dolphins | 2-7 |
| New York Giants | 2-7 |
| Cleveland Browns | 2-6 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 2-6 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 3-6 |
| Washington Commanders | 3-6 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 3-5 |
| Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons) | 6-2 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 3-5 |
| Houston Texans | 3-5 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 3-5-1 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 4-4 |
| Carolina Panthers | 5-4 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 5-4 |
| Chicago Bears | 5-3 |
| Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars) | 5-3 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 5-3 |
| Detroit Lions | 5-3 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 6-3 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 6-3 |
| Dallas Cowboys (via Packers) | 3-5-1 |
| Buffalo Bills | 6-2 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 6-2 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 6-2 |
| Denver Broncos | 7-2 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 6-2 |
| New England Patriots | 7-2 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 6-2 |
| New York Jets (via Colts) |
The landscape of the NFL is changing rapidly, and teams will need to adapt and strategize as they aim for playoff positions and the coveted top picks in the 2026 draft.
