Jaylen Watson absent as NFL.com grades 2026 offseason trades after combine timing
A new roundup grading the most significant NFL trades of the 2026 offseason did not include jaylen watson among the moves examined. The update lands now because at least one key deal was framed as being triggered directly following the NFL Scouting Combine, a timing marker that teams used to act before free-agency pricing formed.
NFL Scouting Combine timing shapes Houston Texans move
Houston’s trade for running back David Montgomery was described as a decision made directly following the NFL Scouting Combine, with the Texans’ front office signaling it wanted to avoid bidding wars for top backs in free agency. The deal was positioned as a response to Houston’s need for more production in the ground game after losing Joe Mixon to a mysterious foot injury.
DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio bet on David Montgomery fit
Montgomery was characterized as a bruising, gritty runner who matches what head coach DeMeco Ryans wants to deploy, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He is expected to pair with pass-catching back Woody Marks, with Montgomery projected to handle the bulk of early-down carries as Houston tries to lift a rushing attack that struggled the prior season.
Detroit Lions trade ripple includes Brad Holmes and Jahmyr Gibbs timeline
Detroit general manager Brad Holmes was credited with extracting a respectable return for a running back he appeared destined to move this offseason, a package that included a fourth-round selection and lineman Scruggs. The trade was also framed as giving Detroit more flexibility to eventually pay Jahmyr Gibbs on a future deal that could land at or near the top of the running back market, while creating an immediate roster need for a power element alongside speed.
The grading series is expected to continue tracking the 2026 offseason’s biggest deals as more trades arrive; if additional moves are completed after the post-combine window highlighted in the current update, the list of “most significant” trades would be expected to expand beyond the transactions already evaluated, leaving open whether jaylen watson appears in a future installment.
