The NFL commerce deadline handed on Tuesday, leaving clear winners and losers throughout the league. The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs secured a wanted weapon by buying extensive receiver Josh Downs from the Colts. In the meantime, the Minnesota Vikings introduced again quarterback Kirk Cousins to stabilize their offense. These strikes repair speedy holes whereas different groups just like the Chargers determined to sit down on their fingers.
Kansas Metropolis Provides a Dependable Goal
The Chiefs wanted assist in the passing recreation after accidents hit their receiving corps. Hamstring and knee issues have plagued Rashee Rice this season, whereas Xavier Worthy handled a hamstring damage throughout Sunday’s victory towards the Jets. Since October, Tyquan Thornton can be out for an prolonged time period after fracturing his ankle. To unravel this, Indianapolis acquired a fourth-round and a fifth-round choice from the group in trade for Downs. The deal additionally noticed the Colts ship a seventh-round decide again to Kansas Metropolis, in line with ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport.
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Downs brings a strong monitor file to the roster. A 3rd-round draft alternative in 2023, he recorded 33 receptions, 354 yards, and one landing throughout 9 video games this season. Throughout 2024, he had a profession yr, catching 72 passes for 803 yards and scoring 5 touchdowns. The 25-year-old seems able to contribute instantly. Following the announcement of the deal, he shared a celebratory meme on social media. Downs wrote in a follow-up submit on X, “I’m past grateful and blessed for my time in Indy.” He added, “Nothing however love For the Shoe.”
Cousins Returns to a Acquainted System
Minnesota made a large transfer to get Kirk Cousins again beneath heart. The 4-5 Raiders, awaiting 2026 No. 1 decide Fernando Mendoza, noticed Cousins begin 9 video games. He dealt with the transition with grace throughout his time in Las Vegas. After the Raiders’ fourth straight loss in late October, “If I am not the most suitable choice, then I do not need to be on the market,” Cousins stated. He famous that he would attempt to play in addition to doable to assist the group win and provides the rookie an important instance to be taught from.
Earlier than tearing an Achilles halfway by way of the 2023 season, Cousins led the Vikings to a 13-4 file in 2022. Head coach Kevin O’Connell labored with Cousins in Washington in 2017, when he served because the group’s quarterbacks coach. The 2 reunited in Minnesota in 2022, giving Cousins familiarity with O’Connell’s offensive system.
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Head coach Kevin O’Connell ran the offense with Cousins from 2018 to 2023, so the match is pure. In 2017, O’Connell served because the quarterbacks coach for Washington, marking Cousins’ closing yr with that group. This reunion provides Minnesota a veteran who is aware of precisely the way to run their scheme. With a 2-7 begin this season, the Colts are actually specializing in constructing for the longer term.
Whereas the Colts moved on from Downs and Allen, they retained famous person working again Jonathan Taylor regardless of a number of weeks of commerce hypothesis. Indianapolis had already traded defensive sort out DeForest Buckner to the 49ers and guard Quenton Nelson to the Seahawks on October 27, receiving three draft picks in these offers. The group then traded extensive receivers Keenan Allen and Josh Downs forward of the November 10 deadline because it continued reshaping its roster.
