Big names stay put as NFL's trade deadline passes

The NFL's trade deadline was, once again, much ado about nothing.

After rumors surrounding a number of star players had surfaced in recent days and weeks, Tuesday's 4 p.m. cutoff came and went without any blockbuster deals.

Among the notable names remaining with their current teams despite rumors of varying substance are Joe Thomas, Sheldon Richardson, Joe Haden, Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith, and Joe Staley.

The lone trade completed on deadline day saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers send former second-round cornerback Johnthan Banks to the Detroit Lions in exchange for a 2018 seventh-round pick.

Teams will not be able to complete trades between now and the first day of the new league year in March. Any players released during the remainder of this season are now subject to waivers before having an opportunity to become a free agent.