Three All-Star Trades That Nearly Blew Up the NFL and Completely Rewired the League

You know that feeling when a deal is done, both sides shake hands, and then... it all falls apart? The NFL has seen plenty of blockbuster trades that actually happened. But the ones that almost happened? Those are the trades that keep GMs up at night. One phone call, one owner's ego, one failed physical, or one franchise suddenly saying "nope" can change the entire trajectory of a team. These three deals were on the verge of reshaping dynasties and altering the careers of some of the biggest names in football. Here's what went down when everything almost changed.

Brian Burns Was Almost Rams Property, and the Panthers Completely Botched It

Picture this: December 2022, trade deadline. The Los Angeles Rams came to the Carolina Panthers with a monster package for edge rusher Brian Burns. Two first-round picks and a second-round pick. That's the kind of haul that could've built a franchise. But Scott Fitterer, Carolina's GM, said no. Why? Burns was a foundational piece. The Panthers had just fired Matt Rhule and didn't want to look like they were tanking. They wanted to show the locker room they were still competing. So they kept him and tried to sign him to a long-term extension. Burns wanted $30 million per year. The two sides couldn't agree. The Panthers then went 2-15 the next season, the worst record in the entire NFL. Burns started demanding a trade. Carolina's leverage evaporated. When they finally dealt him to the New York Giants, they got a second-round pick and a swap of fifth-rounders. Talk about fumbling the bag.

Russell Wilson Almost Became a Bear, and It Would've Been a Disaster

March 2021. The Chicago Bears came with everything. Three first-round picks. A third-round pick. Two starters. That's what Ryan Pace, Chicago's general manager, was willing to put on the table for Russell Wilson. The Seahawks' QB had named the Bears as one of four teams he'd waive his no-trade clause for, and Pace was all in. Chicago was prepared to mortgage its future. But here's where it got messy: the Seahawks were hell-bent on getting one of Chicago's star defensive players as part of the package. The deal never happened. And honestly? Pace should be thanking his lucky stars. Look at how the aggressive trade package Denver put together for Wilson played out. That "cursed" deal makes Pace's near-miss look like the greatest bullet dodged in NFL history.

The 49ers Offered Everything For Khalil Mack, and the Raiders Said No Anyway

September 2018. The Oakland Raiders were shopping Khalil Mack, the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year who had held out all of training camp. More than half the league called. The Chicago Bears, the New York Jets, and the San Francisco 49ers all made serious offers. San Francisco went hard. John Lynch, the 49ers GM, believed they offered more than anyone else. But the Raiders didn't care about the best offer. They weren't interested in sending Mack across the bay to their division rival. That's pride. That's business. And sometimes, it costs you.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.