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“Winners and losers” pieces are strange because of the negative connotation of the word “loser.” In the context of these lists, the losers aren’t necessarily losers in the sense that they’re bad, or failures, but rather that they did not come out on top following a noteworthy event.

In the case of this list — winners and losers from the NFL trade deadline, which passed on Nov. 4 — the winners gained the most from their respective results following the deadline, while the losers gained the least. With this in mind, let’s take a look at those who benefited from recent moves, and those who were hindered.

Winner: CB Sauce Gardner

Context: The New York Jets sent Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2026 first-rounder, 2027 first-rounder and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

Why he wins here: Two reasons: First, because he gets to leave the New York Jets, who went on a complete fire sale leading up to the trade deadline. Before the trade, Gardner was under contract with the Jets until 2030. It might not take that long for the Jets to compete again, but let’s just say it’ll be a while. The second reason goes hand in hand with the first: Gardner gets to join a team that is currently going on a tremendous run, and has a chance to compete for something bigger. Plus, he gets to play for Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who may be able to bring the best out of Gardner by playing to his strengths.

Loser: RB Breece Hall

Context: Despite the Jets going on a fire sale, the team failed to trade Hall before the deadline despite interest from multiple teams.

Why he loses here: Hall expressed his desire to be traded, yet the Jets weren’t able to deal him because they wanted more than teams were willing to offer. Now, Hall will play out the remainder of the season on a Jets team that could be picking first in the 2026 draft. The silver lining for Hall is that he’ll be a free agent in 2026, so he’ll just need to remain healthy to maximize his value in the open market.

Winner: New York Jets

Context: The Jets earned a 2026 first-rounder, 2026 second-rounder, and two 2027 first-rounders, among others, in their trades leading up to the deadline.

Why they win here: Sure, the Jets are down bad right now. But they have an absolute haul coming up soon, with eight picks in the first two rounds over the next two drafts. If the Jets needed a chance to start fresh, there’s no better opportunity for them to do so than in the next two seasons.

Loser: DT Mazi Smith

Context: The former Dallas Cowboy was traded to the Jets as part of the Quinnen Williams deal.

Why he loses here: Our Cowboys writer Mauricio Rodriguez breaks it down here: “Smith’s time with the Cowboys is at an end. It never worked out for the first-round draft pick and the worst part might be that he’s an afterthought in all discussions about the Williams trade. Hopefully, he does better in New York. Maybe a change is what he needed.”

Winner: WR Jakobi Meyers

Context: The Las Vegas Raiders sent Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars for fourth- and sixth-round picks.

Why he wins here: Meyers asked for a trade during the summer, and it seemed inevitable that he’d be dealt at some point. Now, Meyers can attempt to thrive with the Jaguars who are on the cusp of being a great team. A couple of our writers break down what Meyers can offer in Jacksonville:

“The Raiders made Meyers a true WR1 on a bad offense the last few years since Adams departed. He ended up having his first 1,000 receiving yard season and had the lowest drop rate of anyone in the league. This year, he just hasn’t had that same type of production. It’s not on him; the offense is just very bad, and this guy named Bowers is pretty good, too. Meyers has sure hands and is one of the league’s wide receivers vs. zone coverage, meaning he is great at finding holes in the zone and sitting there.

“He knows how to get open, and when it’s thrown his way, if it’s catchable, he’ll probably catch it. The Jaguars are getting the ultimate pro in Meyers, a guy who demanded a trade but never held out after not getting his contract. He always stayed by and played for his teammates. The fan base will miss the leader that he is, but I cannot see a better fit for him than the Jaguars, given that Hunter is out.”

Loser: DE Trey Hendrickson

Context: The Cincinnati Bengals did not trade Hendrickson despite interest, further building existing tension between the two parties.

Why he loses here: Bengals writer John Sheeran breaks it down here: “You really have to feel for Hendrickson. Not just because he’s dealing with a hip injury and has hardly played since Week 6, but the fact that he could’ve been traded to a real contender who may want to pay him the long-term contract he desires and is still stuck in Cincinnati. By not trading him, the Bengals retain his rights through the year and can place another franchise tag on him in February if they so desire.

“True power hasn’t been in Hendrickson’s hands for a long time. Part of that’s on him for accepting a one-year extension in 2023, but it made all the sense in the world to set him free now that the season looks to be in disarray. He’ll do what he can to help, but there’s only so much one player can do to fix this calamity.”

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