The NFL trade deadline is typically a time for fans and analysts to fantasize about what could be if teams had the courage to make splashy moves, but this year's edition turned tradition on its head.
With plenty of action headlining deadline day and the week leading up to it, here are three winners and three losers:
Winner: San Francisco 49ers
First-year GM John Lynch continued to make his case for rookie executive of the year Monday night, acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo from the Patriots for a second-round pick. As they were able to keep their first-rounder, which will likely be a high selection, and hold onto the New Orleans Saints' second-round pick, Lynch didn't jeopardize the team's future as he brought in a quarterback who would've been among the most coveted free agents.
Related: 49ers steal franchise quarterback, remain set for long term
The 49ers can now avoid the crapshoot that is trying to find a good first-round quarterback and direct their attention at the draft to filling other holes. Garoppolo is an ideal fit for Kyle Shanahan's system and is entering the prime of his career at 26 years old.
Loser: Cleveland Browns
After failing to acquire Garoppolo last offseason and losing out in the sweepstakes to the 49ers, the Browns missed out on yet another quarterback they desired.
With no one to blame but themselves, the team couldn't get a deal done with the Cincinnati Bengals for quarterback AJ McCarron - who had success under Hue Jackson in 2015 - because the Browns failed to notify the league office before the 4 p.m. ET deadline.
After taking so much criticism for passing on Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson in the past two drafts, it appears the Browns just can't help but shoot themselves in the foot.
Winner: Jay Ajayi
Ajayi was making headlines for the wrong reasons this season, recording no touchdowns and a 3.4 yards-per-carry average through seven games out of the Dolphins' backfield. Now he gets to join the hottest team in the NFL with the Eagles and a backfield that won't rely on him to fill an every-down role.
Related: Eagles rob Dolphins, get final Super Bowl piece in Ajayi
LeGarrette Blount will still take on the heavy lifting in Philadelphia while Ajayi can focus on doing what he can to contribute to Carson Wentz's offense.
Loser: Cam Newton
Newton was already short on capable targets in Carolina, and now he's got one less 1,000-yard receiver to throw to. Kelvin Benjamin's move to the Buffalo Bills may work out for him, but as the Panthers sit 5-3, their offense took a major hit.
Benjamin and Devin Funchess were the only wideouts on Carolina's roster with more than 11 catches this year, as Newton has struggled to find consistency throwing outside the numbers. He'll need to lean heavily on the run game and rookie playmakers Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel to produce after the catch.
Winner: Russell Wilson
Finally, Wilson will have more than his own feet to thank for not getting hit. For the first time since letting Russell Okung walk out the door, the Seahawks addressed their terrible offensive line, acquiring left tackle Duane Brown.
Though Brown has only played one game this season due to a contract holdout, he immediately becomes the Seahawks' best blocker and gives Wilson, who accounted for 482 of the team's 485 total yards last Sunday, some much-needed protection.
Loser: Kirk Cousins
Cousins has always said the right thing in Washington, never throwing his dysfunctional organization under the bus, but reports have continually surfaced that he wants out and that a reunion with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco was the preferred destination.
There are still plenty of teams that could be interested in Cousins, but with Garoppolo headed to the Bay Area, his reported dream destination is gone.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)
