The 2026 NFL trade deadline passed with several high-profile running backs staying put despite clear chances for big moves. The Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Los Angeles Rams each had opportunities to acquire established playmakers who could have reshaped their offensive outlooks, but none of the deals materialised.
Green Bay, dealing with ongoing struggles in the running game and the loss of Josh Jacobs for an extended period, missed out on Tennessee Titans’ Tony Pollard. Pollard has been a strong contributor this season and would have offered the Packers a reliable veteran presence capable of carrying a heavy workload. With Jacobs sidelined again, the Packers needed a proven back to help balance their offense, but the Titans ultimately decided to keep Pollard. The trade deadline came and went without Pollard changing teams, leaving Green Bay’s running issues unresolved.
Meanwhile, the Giants had a chance to bring in Jonathan Taylor from the Indianapolis Colts. New York currently leads the NFC East and looks likely to secure a playoff spot, including hosting at least one postseason game. Their quarterback situation remains uncertain, and a dependable running game would provide valuable support. Taylor, considered one of the league’s top workhorse backs, could have taken pressure off the passing game and improved the Giants’ offensive stability. Despite these potential benefits, Indianapolis chose not to trade Taylor, keeping the running back in their lineup.
The Rams sought to address a shortage of offensive firepower at wide receiver after losing Davante Adams and Puka Nacua to injury. Both players are expected to miss at least four more weeks, leaving Los Angeles thin at the position. George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys emerged as a prime candidate to fill that gap. Pickens offers explosive playmaking ability that could have helped the Rams maintain their postseason hopes in a competitive division featuring the 49ers and Seahawks. The Rams reportedly had a clear need and could have made a strong offer, but Dallas held onto Pickens through the deadline.
Each of these three potential trades involved teams trying to bolster key offensive areas. The Packers needed a running back capable of handling a significant workload, the Giants sought a reliable rushing option to support a shaky passing game, and the Rams wanted a dynamic wide receiver to replace injured starters.
The deadline closed without any of these blockbuster deals going through. The Titans, Colts, and Cowboys all retained their star players, while Green Bay, New York, and Los Angeles will have to try to achieve their goals without the additions that many expected before the trade window shut.
This week’s developments leave several teams facing challenges as the regular season approaches its final stages. The Packers must find ways to manage their running game without Jacobs or Pollard. The Giants will rely on Cam Skattebo’s health to lead their backfield, a situation still unproven. The Rams need to adjust their passing attack without Pickens’ presence.
The 2026 trade deadline offered a few clear paths to improve for teams chasing playoff success, but in the end, those chances slipped away.
According to Yahoo Sports.
