The 2023 NFL trade deadline delivered fireworks, with teams making bold moves to boost playoff hopes—or leaving fans scratching their heads. The Ringer’s Benjamin Solak dissects the biggest winners, losers, and surprises, including the Jets’ QB fix, the Cowboys’ puzzling inactivity, and Jakobi Meyers’ escape from Las Vegas.
Winner: New York Jets Secure QB Stability
Desperate for a solution after Aaron Rodgers’ injury, the Jets traded for Josh Dobbs, who revitalized Arizona’s offense earlier this season. Solak calls it a “clear upgrade over Zach Wilson,” adding: “Dobbs isn’t elite, but he limits mistakes—exactly what this defense-first team needs.”
New York also added Ezekiel Elliott for backfield depth. While not a splashy move, Elliott’s pass-blocking and short-yardage skills could prove crucial in tight games.
Loser: Dallas Cowboys Miss Big Opportunity
Despite needing RB and LB help, Dallas stayed quiet—a risky move in a loaded NFC. Solak warns: “The Eagles and 49ers improved. Standing pat might cost the Cowboys in January.”
With rivals like Philadelphia (Kevin Byard) and San Francisco (Chase Young) loading up, Dallas’ playoff path just got tougher.
Underrated Win: Jakobi Meyers Joins Bears’ Rising Offense
Meyers escaped the Raiders’ QB carousel, landing in Chicago with Justin Fields. Solak loves the fit: “Meyers thrives in the slot. He’ll be a safety valve for Fields and a major upgrade over Chicago’s WR3.”
Other Key Takeaways
- ✅ 49ers – Adding Chase Young creates the NFL’s scariest defensive line.
- ✅ Eagles – Kevin Byard shores up their already-dominant secondary.
- ❌ Vikings – No QB replacement after Kirk Cousins’ injury stalls their season.
- ❌ Titans – Trading Byard signals a rebuild but leaves fans frustrated.
Final Verdict
The 49ers and Eagles reinforced their Super Bowl credentials, while the Jets and Bears made sneaky-good moves. Dallas’ inaction, however, could haunt them. As Solak notes: “In the NFL, stagnation is regression.”
