Five NFL trade deadline deals we wish had happened, including Rams landing a receiver

Key Points:

• Carson Wentz’s poor performance in the Vikings’ 23-6 loss to the Bills highlighted the urgent need for Minnesota to upgrade at quarterback, prompting the trade for Kirk Cousins.
• The Vikings traded a third-round pick to acquire Cousins, who is familiar with the team’s system and has a strong rapport with star receiver Justin Jefferson, boosting their Super Bowl prospects.
• Several notable trade targets before the deadline included Tony Pollard to the Giants, Khalil Mack to the Bills, Riq Woolen to the Bears, Brian Thomas Jr. to the Rams, and Jonathan Taylor to a contender, none of which materialized but would have significantly impacted playoff races.
• The top five Super Bowl contenders identified are the Jaguars, Bears, Bills, 49ers, and Bengals, with the Vikings narrowly missing the list due to uncertainty around Cousins’ immediate impact.
• The bottom five teams likely to secure the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft include the Chargers, Dolphins, Titans, Eagles, and Colts, reflecting ongoing struggles and rebuilds.