Worst Trades In NFL History
When NFL teams make trades the teams always think they got a good deal. But sometimes, one team totally out did the other. These are the worst trades in NFL history.
25. Bears Trade For Mitch Trubisky (2017)
The Bears gave up a third and fourth round pick so they could move up one post in the draft. What did they do with that trade up? Well they took Mitch Trubisky over Pat Mahome and Deshaun Watson.
24. Browns trade for Trent Richardson (2012)
The Browns moved up in the draft so they could make sure they got Trent Richardson. He was later traded to the Colts for a late round pick.
23. Raiders trade 1st rounder for Richard Seymour (2009)
The Raiders dealt a first round pick to New Engalnd for an aging Richard Seymour. He was a huge disappointment in Oakland.
22. Patriots Trade Up For Chad Jackson (2006)
New England sent two picks to move up and draft Chad Jackson. He caught 13 passes in two seasons.
21. Packers trade up for Tony Mandarich (1989)
He was supposed to be the best OL prospect of all time. However, he lasted four underwhelming seasons and was out of the league.
20. Steelers trade for Huey Richardson (1991)
They moved up to take him number 15. He played five games for the Steelers before being cut.
19. Colts Trade Marshall Faulk for a pick (1999)
Indy sent Faulk to the Rams for a 2nd and 5th round pick. He went on to win MVP.
18. Buccaneers trade two 1st round picks and two 2nd round picks for Jon Gruden (2002)
It resulted in a Super Bowl, sure. But that much draft capital for a head coach to me is absurd.
17. Cowboys Trade For Joey Galloway (2000)
Dallas sent two 1st round picks to the Seahawks for Joey Galloway. He tore his ACL in his first game and never lived up to the price.
16. Dolphins trade for A.J. Feeley (2004)
At age 38, he signed a $10 million dollar deal with the Jets and went 5-8 as a starter.
15. Bengals trade up for Ki-Jana Carter (1995)
The Bengals gave up picks to move up to take Carter first overall. The RB tore his ACL in pre-season and finished his career with barely over 1,000 yards.
14. Giants Trade Picks For Dave Brown (1992)
The Giants traded multiple picks for him. He ended up 23-30 as a starter with 46 TDs and 58 INTs.
13. Bill Trade Up For Sammy Watkins (2014)
Buffalo gave up some capital to move up from #9 to #4 including a first round pick to Cleveland to get Watkins. He battled injuries and was gone in three years.
12. Seahawks Trade For Jimmy Graham (2015)
Seattle sent Pro Bowl center Max Under and a first round pick to the Saints for Graham. He never fit their offense as they'd like.
11. Broncos trade up for Paxton Lynch (2016)
The Broncos traded up to draft Lynch 26th overall. He started just four games before being cut.
10. Texans Trade DeAndre Hopkins (2020)
Houston shipped Hopkins to the Cardinals for RB David Johnson. It was a complete disaster.
9. Falcons Trade Up For Julio Jones (2011)
Don't get us wrong, Julio was great. But they gave up five draft picks including two 1st round picks to move up 21 spots. That's a ton of draft capital.
8. Bears Trade For Jay Cutler (2009)
Overall, Cutler was alright on the Bears. But two 1st rounders and a 3rd rounder for a guy who led the NFL in INTs twice is a hefty price to pay.
7. Jets Trade Up For Mark Sanchez (2009)
The Jets traded three players and picks to move up to take Sanchez number 5 overall in the draft. Sanchez flamed out after 4 seasons.
6. Raiders trade for Carson Palmer (2011)
Oakland sent a 1st and 2nd round pick for Carson Palmer who did not want to play for the Raiders. He went 8-16 before being traded to the Cardinals.
5. Washington Trades For Donovan McNabb (2010)
Drafted first overall in 2007 he signed a $61 million dollar deal with the Raiders. He lasted just 3 seasons.
4. Seahawks Trade For Percy Harvin (2013)
The Seahawks gave up a ton for Percy Harvin. They sent a 1st, 3rd, and 7th for Harvin and a $67 million dollar deal. He did have one big play in the Super Bowl, but that was about it.
3. Chargers Trade Up For Ryan Leaf (1998)
The Chargers traded multiple picks to take Ryan Leaf number 2 overall. He became one of the biggest busts in NFL history.
2. Saints trade entire draft for Ricky Williams (1999)
The Saints and Mike Ditka sent every pick of their draft (plus two more the following year) to move up and draft Ricky Williams. He lasted in New Orleans for 3 years before being traded.
1. The Herschel Walker Trade (1989)
The Vikings gave up 5 players and 6 draft picks to the Cowboys. The Cowboys used those picks to build a dynasty.