We’ve crossed one of the milestones in the season this week, as the trade deadline has come and gone. When the clock struck 4 eastern on Tuesday, one of the most active in the history of the league, as so many teams got aggressive as both buyers and sellers in hopes of changing their futures. Today we’ll talk about four of the deals and what their impact will be for the parties involved as we move forward. So without further ado, let’s move those chains.

First Down

He’s Baaaaaack: Time is a flat circle and Kirk Cousins is the best in the business. That’s right, “Kirko Chainz” is back in Minny to try and save his old team from itself. The Vikes got off to a 6-0 start but have dropped two in a row thanks to some lousy QB play. So the front office sprang into action to stop the fans from having to watch Wentz and Murray anymore. Cousins has thrown for 2,340 yards, with 20 touchdowns and just eight INT’s on the year, so he’s an unquestioned upgrade for Minnesota. But it remains to be seen if this is enough to catch the Bears who added, and the talented Lions and Packers. One thing’s for sure, Justin Jefferson is a lot happier today, and that’s worth a third-round pick! The Raiders meanwhile get to move on from Kirk with a good pick in hand and their first overall pick Fernando Mendoza debuting.

Second Down

Pushing the Chips to the Middle: There is going for it and then there is the Jaguars, who traded away a haul of picks to bring in two awesome defenders. The first is the perpetually underrated safety Jessie Bates, who has been elite for both Cincinnati and Atlanta. Joining him is the mountain of a man you see in the photo above. That is Jordan Davis, the incoming defensive tackle from the Eagles, who can get after quarterbacks with the best of them. The Jags paid a HIGH price to get them both, trading away a first in 27, a 27 second, a 5th in 2028, and 29 second…it’s a high price to pay to bring in these players but can I blame them? No, not really at all. Trevor Lawrence is playing the best football of his career under Liam Coen, their running game is rounding into form, and the defense is already solid. They have a team that’s already rather complete, and now will have difference makers that can give them an advantage over the Bills. If these two guys can make their impact, Jacksonville may well be home to the AFC Champs. From the sellers side, what a disappointment for Atlanta and what a haul for the Eagles.

Third Down

Chiefs Swing for the Downs: The Chiefs are leaking oil in what was supposed to be their “comeback” season. They lost two in a row and only broke that streak because they beat the lowly Jets, and the offense has been crying out for help. Enter Josh Downs, an explosive possession receiver who is rather disgruntled at the moment. Downs can get go and get it as well as most any guy in the league, and we’ve never really seen him work with a high-end QB like Mahomes. He’s now stepping into a pressure situation so he’s going to have to raise his level, but this is a solid upgrade for the KC offense. He asked to be traded here, and that’s smart work by his agent, who hopes Mahomes helps Downs get paid this offseason as a free agent. Pretty good work for a 4th and 5th round pick, and fine return for Indy.

Fourth Down

No Deal: Let’s talk about two deals that didn’t happen, for a pair of players that made sense as fits elsewhere. The first is Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, perhaps the most talented player that was on the block this deadline. Indy had an offer for him from the Giants where they’d receive a second and a fifth-round pick, but they turned it down. Reportedly they said no because they wanted the next GM to make the call on moving number 28…but man they better hope he doesn’t get hurt.

As confusing as it is that the Colts didn’t move Taylor, the Chargers’ decisions were worse. They pulled back on selling amidst this nightmare fuel season, and that included Khalil Mack, who seemed to be on the block for weeks. Mack isn’t quite the game wrecker he used to be, but he’s still a solid player and he was in demand, especially with his former team the Bears. LA not moving him in the name of “maintaining their culture” is baffling, and now Mack has to stay on this dreadful LA team rather than join a contender.

The Loser

The Lions: The annual tradition has once again been fulfilled, as Lions GM Brad Holmes went into hibernation for the trade deadline. Detroit only added safety Andre Cisco from the Jets…yay. This was the move they made while the Bears got Jeffrey Simmons and the Vikings got Kirk Cousins, and the Packers will soon get Micah Parsons back. Yes it’s okay that Holmes likes his internal guys, but at some point you have to go all in to win something in this window you have had with Goff, Gibbs and ASB. Your defense has been extremely banged up, why not reinforce it? Maybe it works out in the end, but I think the Lions and their front office has made their life a lot harder.

Under the Radar

If there is an under-the-radar move I like, it’s the Niners bringing in veteran receiver Keenan Allen. Allen was a perennial star with the Chargers, and while he isn’t that anymore, this is an experienced player who like Mike Evans, can be an asset to this team. While the Niners try to get healthy, they’ll give Allen time to join the fold and pick up the offense. Don’t be surprised if he’s making big plays in the postseason.

The Picks

To finish things off, let’s get to the week ten picks!

• Nick went 11-4 in week nine, making me 85-50-1
• Sean went 12-3 in week nine, making him 84-51-1

Game	Nick	Sean
Commanders @ Giants (TNF)	Giants	Giants
Patriots vs Lions (Munich)	Lions	Patriots
Chiefs @ Falcons	Chiefs	Chiefs
Texas @ Browns	Browns	Browns
Vikings @ Packers	Vikings	Vikings
Dolphins @ Colts	Colts	Colts
Panthers @ Saints	Saints	Saints
Bills @ Jets	Bills	Bills
Jaguars @ Titans	Jaguars	Jaguars
Rams @ Cardinals	Rams	Rams
Seahawks @ Raiders	Seahawks	Seahawks
49ers @ Cowboys	49ers	49ers
Steelers @ Bengals (SNF)	Bengals	Bengals
Chargers @ Ravens (MNF)	Ravens	Ravens

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