The San Francisco 49ers and general manager John Lynch pulled off not one, but two trades on opening night of the 2026 NFL Draft. They left without any players, but they may have set themselves up for success the rest of the way.

The San Francisco 49ers started out with pick 27 in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night, but two trades later found themselves leaving without selecting any players through the first 32 picks.

How should 49ers fans actually feel about that?

General manager John Lynch pushed through two trades that added value and more picks later in the 2026 NFL Draft, but were they actually “wins” for the 49ers?

First, San Francisco traded down to pick 30 with the Miami Dolphins. Then three picks later they traded down to pick 33 (into the second round) with the New York Jets. Let’s dive into each trade to see where the 49ers truly stand.

Trade 1: Miami Dolphins

First off, if the 49ers were willing to trade, it’s clear (and confirmed via sourcing and team pressers after the first round) that San Francisco missed out on a few target players they were hoping would make it to pick 27.

That was likely the primary driving force for the initial move down by San Francisco. However, when they did move, general manager Lynch made sure that the Dolphins had to pay.

What’s “market”? There are a number of NFL Draft trade charts that can help gauge “fair” value. The Rich Hill chart (similar to the ancient Jimmy Johnson chart) is a bit more old school, but has real NFL trades baked into it that guide normal trade value. Then there’s the Fitzgerald-Spielberger (and its similar cousin chart, the Harvard model). That one is far more analytics-based, mapped to optimize for on-field value versus rookie contract cost. Both charts, and even augmented versions that blend the two, agree. The 49ers won this one.

49ers sent: Pick 27, Pick 138
Dolphins sent: Pick 30, Pick 90

Rich Hill chart: 49ers gained 4% in value
Fitzgerald-Spielberger chart: 49ers gained 8% in value
A to Z Sports chart: 49ers gained 9% in value

It wasn’t a massive win, but if the 49ers didn’t see a huge edge in selecting any one player left on the board, adding value and more picks is a great thing.

Grade: B-

Trade 2: New York Jets

The first trade didn’t seem like a big win since it was just a small bump up and down between two teams. It made sense, but there wasn’t an obvious winner. However, with the Jets trade, the 49ers won big – at least according to a more analytical approach to cap management. Let’s take a look at what was exchanged, and the trade chart values.

49ers sent: Pick 30
Jets sent: Pick 33, Pick 179

Rich Hill chart: 49ers lost 4% in value
Fitzgerald-Spielberger chart: 49ers gained 25% in value
A to Z Sports chart: 49ers gained 8% in value

Why such a huge disparity between the trade charts here? One of the major issues with the Rich Hill trade chart is that it values late round picks like they’re essentially useless garbage. For instance, pick 179 is considered to be 25 times less valuable than pick 30. That’s an absurd assertion when comparing historical hit rates and cap impact of the rookie contracts.

The Fitzgerald-Spielberger recognizes the fact that pick 30 and 33 are essentially identical in value (especially when accounting for the drop-off in contract cost outside of round one). So, the 49ers are basically getting a fifth round pick for nearly free.

Our A to Z Sports value chart is a blend of both, that values later picks a bit more than the Rich Hill, but also more heavily weights real NFL trades that have ignored on-field value versus cap cost for decades (because most general managers are bad at this).

In short, the Rich Hill trade chart is wrong in this case. It was a huge win for Lynch and the 49ers, even if it doesn’t seem that way on the surface. The 49ers just added another cheap contract for nearly nothing.

Grade: A-

In summary, the 49ers trading down six total pick slots from 27 to 33 allowed them to move up 48 spots (from 138 to 90) and add pick 179 as well. Massive win on night one of the 2026 NFL Draft for the 49ers.

Free Agency 2026 proved to be a bang with big trades, huge signings, and difficult departures.

Christmas Morning, a.k.a. the NFL Draft, will shake things up for each conference, but before rookie selections, a few teams look primed for a Super Bowl push while others have gotten worse. 

Here are the Biggest NFC winners and losers from the offseason moves so far: 

Winners 

Los Angeles Rams 

The Rams went all-in to fix their secondary, trading for two-time All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Not stopping there, they added S Kamren Curl and CB Jaylen Watson for even more depth. For a defense that was exposed big time in late 2025, this is a dramatic upgrade.

With Matthew Stafford still under center, it’s hard not to view them as the top NFC contender. 

Carolina Panthers 

Taking a huge swing, the Panthers landed EDGE Jaelen Phillips on a four-year, $120 million deal and added LB Devin Lloyd. Also picking up LT Rasheed Walker for a cool one-year, $4 million contract. 

These moves instantly improve the front seven that was a definitive weakness in their surprise playoff appearance.

Carolina gave up the second most yards out of the first-round exit teams with 411. This positions them as a rising force in the NFC South. 

San Francisco 49ers 

The main receiving target in the Bay Area in 2025 was RB Christian McCaffery at 129 targets. Jauan Jennings came in second, with nearly 40 fewer targets than CMC.

Now, QB Brock Purdy will have a future Hall of Famer in Mike Evans and needed depth with Christian Kirk.

Don’t forget, the 49ers also traded for DT Osa Odighizuwa from Dallas. They were not quiet at all. 

These additions help Purdy and maintain their physical style in an always tough NFC West, keeping them in the mix despite some injury questions from 2025. 

New York Giants 

One name: John Harbaugh.

An established head coach with a record of 180-113. The head coach line of Brian Daboll, Joe Judge, Pat Shurmur, and Ben McAdoo (Steve Spagnuolo & Mike Kafka in interim) went 55-109. A head coach with a winning record is what Giants fans were dreaming of. 

From a player standpoint, the Giants traded NT Dexter Lawrence, and now own the No. 10 pick to pair with No. 5. This will give them immense flexibility to rebuild faster and add excitement around the fresh start. 

Losers 

Seattle Seahawks 

The hits just kept coming for the defending Champs.

Losing Super Bowl MVP RB Kenneth Walker III, EDGE Boye Mafe, CB Tariq Woolen, and S Coby Bryant. Sure, they retained Rashid Shaheed and Josh Jobe, but the proof is actually in the value of those they lost. 

The sum of contract money of those mentioned stars signed for is almost $155 million. Do not be surprised is Seattle regresses in the NFC West, especially as the divisional rivals are taking gigantic steps. 

Philadelphia Eagles 

The Eagles came up short on several key defensive targets and saw depth departures from Nakobe Dean and Jaelan Phillips. Questions surround their secondary and pass-rush, but one thing remains perplexing. 

Perhaps moving on from A.J. Brown is the right decision financially? But Philly has a franchise QB who is now going to have to establish a connection with a brand new WR1. That’s just not how to treat your QB1. 

Arizona Cardinals

Determined well before the 2025 regular season began, the Cardinals knew they were in for a tough offseason with QB Kyler Murray dramatics.

Murray is now with the Minnesota Vikings, and the Cardinals will go into 2026 most likely starting either Jacoby Brissett or Gardner Minshew II at QB.

The team is thin across the board and they have some of the lowest win projections in the league. Even if they grab Ty Simpson at pick No. 3, it’s going to take many years to rebuild this team.

Arizona’s O/U for wins being 4.5 makes a ton of sense. 

The NFC Race Has Taken Form

No doubt, the Rams appear to have gained the most ground with aggressive moves. While the Seahawks have one of the toughest paths to a repeat in recent memory.

Teams like the Panthers could be a surprise story if their big investments pay off.

Draft weekend has the ability to alter this list, but many players will need to take steps forward throughout their rookie contracts to have a chance at completely changing the order.

Roster construction made in March and April likely determine which teams reach late-January ball. 

The post The NFC Free Agency Winners and Losers (So Far) appeared first on The Lead.

Across the American sports landscape, success is often measured one league at a time. But when viewed collectively, a more revealing—and far more exclusive—benchmark emerges: which cities can sustain playoff-caliber teams across the NFL, NBA, and NHL all at once. The latest snapshot, as highlighted by CBS Sports, underscores just how rare that level of multi-league alignment truly is.

In a season defined by parity, injuries, and shifting power structures, only a small cluster of markets managed to keep all three of their major franchises in the postseason picture. Cities like Denver, Boston, and Philadelphia didn’t just field competitive teams—they delivered across the board, reinforcing their reputations as elite, fully operational sports ecosystems. These are markets where front offices, ownership stability, and player development pipelines are all clicking simultaneously.

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Elsewhere, the gaps are just as telling. Some metros came close but fell one team short, while others—despite size, history, or star power—missed the mark entirely. The contrast highlights how difficult it is to maintain consistent excellence across multiple leagues with different roster dynamics, salary structures, and competitive cycles.

Ultimately, this isn’t just a list of playoff teams. It’s a snapshot of organizational health across entire sports markets. And in that sense, the cities that hit the “playoff trifecta” aren’t just winning games—they’re setting the standard for sustained, cross-league success in modern professional sports.

Denver

• Teams that made playoffs: Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Denver Nuggets (NBA)
• Teams that missed playoffs: None

Denver stands alone as a true three-for-three success story, with all of its major teams reaching the postseason. The Nuggets continue to set the standard in the NBA, while the Avalanche remain perennial Stanley Cup contenders. Even the Broncos, coming off inconsistent seasons, broke through to complete the sweep. It’s a rare moment of alignment for a market that has quietly become one of the most consistently competitive in U.S. sports.

Boston

• Teams that made playoffs: New England Patriots (NFL), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA)
• Teams that missed playoffs: None

Boston once again reinforces its reputation as a championship-caliber sports city, delivering playoff teams across all three leagues. The Celtics and Bruins are not just participants but legitimate title threats, continuing long-standing traditions of excellence. The Patriots’ return to the postseason rounds out a full-city resurgence. Few markets sustain this level of across-the-board competitiveness as consistently as Boston.

Philadelphia

• Teams that made playoffs: Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
• Teams that missed playoffs: None

Philadelphia matched Denver and Boston with a complete playoff sweep, underscoring the city’s intense and unified sports culture. The Eagles remain one of the NFL’s elite franchises, while the 76ers continue to push for Eastern Conference supremacy. The Flyers’ return to relevance adds another layer to a strong year. For a fanbase known for its high expectations, this kind of across-the-board success feels both earned and necessary.

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Los Angeles

• Teams that made playoffs: Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Los Angeles Chargers (NFL), Los Angeles Kings (NHL), Anaheim Ducks (NHL), Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
• Teams that missed playoffs: Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)

Los Angeles delivered one of the strongest overall showings of any market, with five teams reaching the postseason across the three leagues. The Lakers upheld the city’s basketball standard, while both NFL teams and the region’s NHL clubs added to a deep playoff presence. The Clippers’ absence stands out, but it does little to diminish the broader success. Few metros can match this level of depth across leagues in a single season.

San Francisco Bay Area

• Teams that made playoffs: San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
• Teams that missed playoffs: Golden State Warriors (NBA), San Jose Sharks (NHL)

The Bay Area’s playoff presence was carried solely by the 49ers, underscoring a top-heavy year for the region. The Warriors’ absence marks a notable shift after years of postseason consistency, while the Sharks remain in a longer-term rebuild. With only one team advancing, the market falls well short of the multi-league benchmark seen elsewhere. It’s a reminder of how quickly the balance of power can shift.

Dallas–Fort Worth

• Teams that made playoffs: Dallas Stars (NHL)
• Teams that missed playoffs: Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA)

Dallas–Fort Worth managed just one playoff entrant, with the Stars carrying the region’s postseason hopes. The Cowboys’ absence is particularly notable given their usual position as contenders, while the Mavericks’ inconsistency continues to limit the market’s ceiling. For a metro with significant expectations across all three leagues, this represents a clear underperformance. The gap between potential and results is especially pronounced here.

Minneapolis–Saint Paul

• Teams that made playoffs: Minnesota Wild (NHL), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)
• Teams that missed playoffs: Minnesota Vikings (NFL)

Minneapolis–Saint Paul came close to a clean sweep but fell just short with the Vikings missing out. The Timberwolves’ continued rise and the Wild’s steady presence provided a strong two-league foundation. Still, the absence of the NFL component keeps the market from joining the top tier of fully aligned cities. It’s a near-miss that highlights both progress and remaining gaps.

Detroit

• Teams that made playoffs: Detroit Pistons (NBA)
• Teams that missed playoffs: Detroit Lions (NFL), Detroit Red Wings (NHL)

Detroit’s results reflect a city still in the midst of a broader rebuild across its sports landscape. While the Pistons managed to break through, the Lions and Red Wings fell short of postseason contention. For a historically proud sports town, the imbalance underscores how difficult sustained success can be across multiple leagues. The foundation may be forming, but the city is not yet back among the multi-sport elite.

Chicago

• Teams that made playoffs: Chicago Bears (NFL)
• Teams that missed playoffs: Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), Chicago Bulls (NBA)

Chicago’s lone playoff representative highlights a transitional period for one of the country’s biggest sports markets. The Bears carried the postseason banner, while the Bulls and Blackhawks continue to rebuild. For a city accustomed to championship runs across multiple sports, the current gap is noticeable. Still, the market’s infrastructure and history suggest this is more reset than decline.

New York City / New Jersey

• Teams that made playoffs: New York Knicks (NBA)
• Teams that missed playoffs: New York Giants (NFL), New York Jets (NFL), New York Rangers (NHL), New York Islanders (NHL), New Jersey Devils (NHL), Brooklyn Nets (NBA)

The nation’s largest media market produced just one playoff team, a stark contrast to its size and resources. The Knicks stand as the lone bright spot, while the rest of the region’s teams fell short across football and hockey. It’s a surprising outcome for a metro that typically expects multiple contenders. The disparity underscores how market size does not guarantee competitive balance.

RELATED: Top 10 buzzer beaters in NBA Playoff history

Washington, D.C.

• Teams that made playoffs: None
• Teams that missed playoffs: Washington Commanders (NFL), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA)

Washington, D.C. endured a clean sweep in the wrong direction, with all three teams missing the postseason. The Capitals’ decline from their championship peak and the Wizards’ ongoing rebuild reflect a market in transition. Meanwhile, the Commanders continue to search for stability. It’s a rare downturn for a city that has experienced recent success but now faces a reset across all three leagues.

Miami

• Teams that made playoffs: None
• Teams that missed playoffs: Miami Dolphins (NFL), Florida Panthers (NHL), Miami Heat (NBA)

Miami also failed to place a team in the postseason across all three leagues, despite having competitive rosters. The Heat and Panthers, in particular, have recent histories of deep playoff runs, making their absence more notable. The Dolphins’ inconsistency further contributed to a disappointing year for the market. For a city accustomed to bursts of high-level success, this represents a rare across-the-board lull.

Conclusion

In the end, only a handful of cities proved capable of aligning success across the NFL, NBA, and NHL—a feat that requires more than talent alone. It demands organizational cohesion, timing, and a bit of luck across three very different competitive environments. For the markets that achieved it, this season stands as a benchmark of what full-spectrum sports excellence looks like.