NFL Trade Deadline 2026 Twitter Reaction to Trades, Fails, Surprises and Non-Deals

NFL trade action has been going on for a few weeks now and finally culminated Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Here's a look at the 17 in-season trades as well as big names that didn't get moved, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Here's a look at how social media reacted to all some action that went down on Tuesday morning and afternoon.

Kirk Cousins to Vikings

AP Photo/Justine Willard

The Minnesota Vikings will reunite with quarterback Kirk Cousins, who played six seasons (2018-2023) with the team, after acquiring him from the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round draft pick.

This was a much-needed pickup for the 6-2 Vikings, especially with Kyler Murray out with a Grade 2 hamstring strain and backup Carson Wentz struggling mightily (8-of-25, 85 yards, two interceptions) Monday in a 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

However, this looks good for the Raiders as well. Cousins was brought in as a bridge quarterback to give rookie Fernando Mendoza time before he took the reins. He performed the role well, and the Raiders got a draft pick out of it.

Cousins' first start will be Sunday at the Green Bay Packers. Mendoza is in line to make his first start on Sunday vs. the Seattle Seahawks.

Jonathan Taylor Stays With Colts

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

The Indianapolis Colts did not trade running back Jonathan Taylor, who was long the subject of trade rumors this season. In the end, the Colts never got the package they wanted, per Tom Pelissero of The Ringer and Netflix.

The 2-7 Colts held a fire sale this year, dealing left guard Quenton Nelson, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Josh Downs. However, Taylor is staying put.

It's a tough blow for teams hoping to land a three-time Pro Bowler and first team All-Pro. It's also a big risk for the Colts and perhaps a puzzling move overall.

Taylor, who is under contract through the 2028 season on a two-year, $44 million extension, has amassed 876 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns.

Colts Trade WR Keenan Allen, Josh Downs

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

The Colts dealt wide receiver Keenan Allen to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round draft pick and wideout Josh Downs to the Kansas City Chiefs for fourth- and fifth-rounders. Indianapolis also sent Kansas City a seventh-rounder.

Allen, a 14-year veteran on a one-year contract, was an obvious choice to leave town with the team at 2-7. It's also a great move for the 7-1 49ers, who have been hit hard with injuries at wideout and need more help.

The six-time Pro Bowler has 40 catches for 351 yards and a touchdown.

As for Downs, this post should tell you how he feels about the trade (although he's also thankful for his time in town).

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had an eye on Downs' post.

This could be a good move for the 6-2 Chiefs, which needed pass-catching help. No wideout on the team has more than 300 receiving yards or two receiving touchdowns.

However, it's fair to say Downs, who is in the final season of a rookie contract, has been a bit disappointing this year. He hasn't eclipsed 50 or more receiving yards in his last six games or 25 or more yards in any of his last three.

Still, a change of scenery can do wonders for Downs, who had 140 catches over his first two seasons (2023-2024).

Here's a look at some reactions.

Downs has 33 catches foe 354 yards and a score in 2026.

Bengals Back Out of Arnold Ebiketie Trade With Eagles

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

The Cincinnati Bengals had a deal in place to add defensive end Arnold Ebiketie from the Philadelphia Eagles for a sixth-round pick, but the deal fell through.

Earlier in the day, Over The Cap contributor Nick Korte correctly pointed out that the Bengals would have lost a third-round compensatory pick after Trey Hendrickson left in free agency for the Baltimore Ravens.

Korte came through in the clutch a few years ago as well, per ESPN's Field Yates.

It's an odd situation, to say the least.

Ebiketie is in his fifth NFL season and first with the Eagles after four years with the Atlanta Falcons. He has 25 tackles in nine games.