Monday, February 16, 2026

NFL Trade Deadline: How Did Cowboys, Colts, Seahawks and More Change Their Playoff Fate?

The 2025 NFL trade deadline has come and gone, leaving fans and analysts alike in a state of shock and excitement. The final 72 hours leading up to the deadline were filled with calculated gambles, desperate swings, and head-scratching decisions. For some teams, this deadline marked a clear turning point in their season, with the choice between chasing playoff glory or accepting a rebuild. Let’s take a closer look at how the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars fared in this high-stakes game of trade deals.

The Dallas Cowboys were one of the most active teams leading up to the trade deadline, making several bold moves to solidify their chances of making it to the playoffs. The first major move came in the form of a blockbuster trade with the New York Giants, where they acquired star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in exchange for a first-round pick and a couple of players. This move instantly gave the Cowboys a much-needed boost in their receiving corps and added a dynamic playmaker to their offense.

But the Cowboys didn’t stop there. In a surprising move, they also traded for Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Jacksonville Jaguars. This move not only strengthened their secondary but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league that the Cowboys were all in for a playoff run. With these two major acquisitions, the Cowboys have significantly improved their chances of making it to the postseason and potentially making a deep run.

The Indianapolis Colts, on the other hand, took a different approach to the trade deadline. After a slow start to the season, the Colts decided to sell off some of their assets and focus on building for the future. They traded away veteran quarterback Philip Rivers to the New England Patriots in exchange for a first-round pick and a young quarterback with potential. This move not only gave the Colts a valuable draft pick but also allowed them to give their young quarterback a chance to develop and potentially become the future of the franchise.

The Seattle Seahawks also made a splash at the trade deadline, acquiring star running back Saquon Barkley from the New York Giants. This move not only gave the Seahawks a much-needed boost in their running game but also added another weapon to their already potent offense. With Barkley joining the likes of Russell Wilson and DK Metcalf, the Seahawks’ offense is now one of the most dangerous in the league. This move has put them in a strong position to make a run for the playoffs and potentially even the Super Bowl.

Last but not least, the Jacksonville Jaguars made some significant moves at the trade deadline, signaling a shift in their focus towards the future. They traded away star cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a first-round pick and a couple of players. This move not only gave the Jaguars valuable assets for the future but also allowed them to focus on rebuilding their team. They also traded away running back Saquon Barkley to the Seattle Seahawks, further adding to their draft capital and setting themselves up for a potential rebuild.

In conclusion, the 2025 NFL trade deadline was a whirlwind of activity, with teams making bold moves in pursuit of their playoff dreams or rebuilding for the future. The Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, and Jacksonville Jaguars were just a few of the teams that made significant moves that will shape their seasons and potentially their futures. It will be exciting to see how these trades play out and which teams will come out on top in the race for the playoffs. One thing is for sure, the 2025 NFL season just got a lot more interesting.

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