Grading Every Trade from 2026 NFL Trade Deadline

The 2026 NFL trade deadline approaches on November 10 at 4 p.m. ET, and it could spur action among teams in the playoff hunt and clubs seeking more draft capital. Some of the hot-topic rumors could come to fruition.

League insiders have speculated about the trade markets for Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs, and Brian Thomas Jr., but surprise moves often come down the pipeline.

Stay tuned here with Moe Moton, Gary Davenport, Brent Sobleski and Kris Knox for analysis and grades on all the trade deadline deals.

Jaguars Acquire S Jessie Bates III from the Falcons

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3)

Atlanta Falcons Received: 2027 second-round pick, 2028 fifth-round pick

Jacksonville Jaguars Received: S Jessie Bates III

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a strong move to strengthen their 22nd-ranked pass defense. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the deal, which should boost the Jaguars' pass coverage.

Bates has been one of the league's top ball hawks, logging 74 pass breakups and 28 interceptions in nine seasons. He's registered at least three interceptions in all but one year and goes to Jacksonville with one for the season.

In Jacksonville, Bates should make an immediate impact in the secondary and provide reliable coverage to a unit that needs a big-play eraser on the back end. The Jaguars paid a hefty price for him, but in his age-29 season, he's still in his prime.

Bates has an expiring contract. So, the Atlanta Falcons managed to get premium draft capital for a player whom they probably weren't going to re-sign next offseason, given his age. While the move hurts the Falcons' pass defense in the short term, the new regime gets a pick it could use to find his long-term replacement.

Jaguars Grade: B+

Falcons: B-