NFL trade grades: Evaluating every deal made ahead of the 2026 deadline

Key Points:

• The Dallas Cowboys traded for cornerback J.P. Porter to address their struggling defense, acquiring him without giving up a premier draft pick until 2028, which is seen as a low-cost, potentially high-reward move.
• Porter’s physical style fits well with Dallas' defensive scheme, offering more man coverage physicality, though he does have a tendency to incur penalties, a trade-off the Cowboys are willing to accept.
• The Steelers traded Porter due to contract disagreements and salary concerns, receiving a future second-round pick, but the timing and compensation are criticized as undervaluing the player and leaving Pittsburgh thin at cornerback.
• Minnesota traded quarterback J.J. McCarthy to New York for a 2027 fifth-round pick after signing Kyler Murray and bringing back Carson Wentz, reflecting their decision to move on from McCarthy due to poor preseason performance and injury history.
• The New York Giants took a low-risk chance on McCarthy as a potential backup or alternative quarterback, despite doubts about his ability to revive his career, viewing the fifth-round pick cost as reasonable given their lack of 2027 draft capital.