Jordan Davis trade among 2026 NFL deadline deals at bust risk, says CBS
CBS Sports names Jordan Davis and Kirk Cousins among 2026 NFL deadline trades that could bust, citing the Sauce Gardner deal as the cautionary tale.
Livefeed News DeskUpdated · 2 min read
Quick answer
CBS Sports named five of the 18 trades made before the 2026 NFL deadline that could become busts, including Jordan Davis to the Jaguars. It points to the Colts' 2025 trade of two first-round picks for Sauce Gardner as the benchmark for a regrettable deal.
Key facts
- Teams made 18 trades ahead of the 2026 NFL deadline.
- The Colts sent two first-round picks to the Jets for Sauce Gardner in 2025.
- Jacksonville paid a 2027 first-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick for Jordan Davis.
- Davis has never had more than 4.5 sacks in a season.
- Indianapolis went 1-8 after acquiring Gardner.
Why is the Sauce Gardner trade the warning sign?
CBS Sports says the Colts made perhaps the most regrettable trade in league history in 2025 by sending two first-round picks to the Jets for Gardner. It argues the picks are valuable as Indianapolis enters a deep rebuild, while Gardner has played the worst football of his career there.
Denver Sports adds that the Colts went 1-8 after the trade, after starting 7-2, and that quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending injury. It notes general manager Chris Ballard is no longer in the job. Dallas's trade for Quinnen Williams is described the same way, and both teams lack a 2027 first-round pick.
Which 2026 deals does CBS flag?
Only one 2026 deal included two first-round picks, and one other included a single first-rounder. The trade most like the Gardner deal moved Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears, with the Titans receiving two firsts. CBS calls it, so far, a likely slam dunk for the Bears, since Simmons recorded a sack and pass breakup in each of his first two games.
Jordan Davis went to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2027 first-round pick and a 2029 second-rounder, filling a need after DaVon Hamilton tore a quad. CBS says the trade will either pay dividends or be an overpay, with little middle ground, and notes Davis has never logged more than 4.5 sacks in a season. The article's summary also lists Kirk Cousins and Marvin Harrison Jr. among the five.
Which trades collapsed?
Yahoo Sports recaps three agreed deals that fell through. Maxx Crosby's move from the Raiders to the Ravens for two firsts failed after a physical. Philadelphia's Ebiketie deal with the Bengals lasted less than an hour. Denver's trade for Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley collapsed after a physical found arthritis in his knee and the sides could not agree on new terms.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Colts pay for Sauce Gardner?
Two first-round picks, sent to the New York Jets in 2025.
How did the Colts do after the Gardner trade?
They went 1-8 after the deal, according to Denver Sports.
What did the Jaguars give up for Jordan Davis?
A 2027 first-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick.
How many trades happened before the 2026 deadline?
Teams completed 18 deals, per CBS Sports.
