Overview of The Athletic Football Show
On The Athletic Football Show, Robert Mays and cohosts review the 2026 NFL trade deadline, led by Kirk Cousins returning to Minnesota and Josh Downs joining Kansas City. They weigh the value of the biggest deals, question the Jaguars’ steep price for Jordan Davis, and discuss several teams that stood pat despite apparent opportunities to improve.
Kirk Cousins Returns to the Vikings
Minnesota acquired Cousins from the Raiders for a 2027 third-round pick. The hosts saw the move as an understandable attempt to revive a season in which the Vikings’ defense had been let down by poor quarterback play. Cousins had played well for Las Vegas, but at 38, he is a short-term rental and may not make Minnesota a Super Bowl favorite.
For the Raiders, the trade clears the way for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza to play and brings back a valuable top-100 pick. The hosts praised the return, while noting the cost of abandoning a competitive season: Las Vegas was 4–5 and had hoped to keep Cousins as a bridge.
Josh Downs Gives the Chiefs a Reliable Route Runner
Kansas City acquired Downs from Indianapolis for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks. The hosts expect him to help a receiver group short on players who can consistently get open, especially against man coverage and on intermediate routes. They viewed the move as a practical fit for Patrick Mahomes, even if Downs is not the deep threat some had hoped the Chiefs would add.
The Jaguars’ Big Bet on Jordan Davis
Jacksonville sent Philadelphia a 2027 first-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick for defensive tackle Jordan Davis. The hosts agreed the price was unusually high for a player with a more specialized role than a star like Jeffrey Simmons. They could see the logic: after losing defensive tackle Devin Hamilton, Jacksonville wanted to restore the strength of a defense it believes can contend.
The hosts framed the deal as a high-risk attempt to capitalize on a rare Super Bowl opportunity. They also noted that the Jaguars kept receiver Brian Thomas Jr., whose depth could matter if injuries hit the position.
Other Notable Trades and Deadline Decisions
- Bills acquire Amani Hooker: Buffalo sent Tennessee a second-round pick for the safety and received a fifth-round pick in return. The hosts thought Hooker would improve the defense, but questioned why Buffalo didn’t land a more dynamic option such as Budda Baker or Jesse Bates. Arizona reportedly declined a day-two offer for Baker.
- Broncos acquire Daiyan Henley: Denver sent the Chargers a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth. The hosts liked the fit, citing Henley’s range and coverage ability alongside Denver’s more downhill linebackers.
- 49ers acquire Keenan Allen: San Francisco gave the Chargers a 2027 sixth-round pick for the veteran receiver. The hosts saw him as useful depth who can still find openings against zone coverage.
- Lions acquire Andre Cisco: Detroit sent the Jets a 2028 sixth-round pick for the safety, adding depth to a secondary dealing with uncertainty.
- Ravens acquire Ryan Nussmeier: Baltimore sent guard Andrew Vorhees and a 2028 sixth-round pick. The hosts reasoned that Nussmeier gives the team center depth and could help keep its first-round guard at his preferred position.
- Bengals cancel Arnold Ebiketie deal: Cincinnati reportedly backed out of a trade for the Falcons pass rusher after realizing it could cost them a compensatory third-round pick tied to Trey Hendrickson’s departure.
Players Who Stayed Put
The Colts kept Jonathan Taylor after reportedly seeking a return comparable to the one San Francisco received for Christian McCaffrey. The hosts understood the asking price and the value of keeping Taylor as a centerpiece, while questioning whether Indianapolis can make the most of his remaining prime as it rebuilds around its next quarterback.
Khalil Mack also remained with the Chargers. The hosts saw how a contender could benefit from adding him, but acknowledged that a veteran near the end of his career may not want to leave his family for a short playoff run. The deadline closed without the splashier moves some had expected.