9 biggest winners (49ers!) and losers (sigh, Bears) of the 2023 NFL trade deadline

The 49ers’ defense loading up and the confusing Bears headlined a strange trade deadline.

Well, that was kind of disappointing, wasn’t it?

Heading into Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, we expected a flurry of moves spurred by championship contenders recognizing their flaws and mediocre teams looking to the future. What we got instead was a small spattering of trades that may or may not have had any bearing on the 2023 season, with everyone turtling and mostly playing it safe. Go figure.

But it wasn’t a completely uneventful day.

A Super Bowl 58 favorite added a high-upside pass-rusher. At the same time, the league’s worst marquee team metaphorically drove circles around in the parking lot while a superstar receiver in Nevada resigned himself to an aimless future. And we can’t forget the smart, understated move from a western New York squad addressing a major defensive need.

Let’s break down For The Win’s the winners and losers of the 2023 NFL trade deadline.