The NFL’s Worst Decisions: A Look at the Most Regretful Trades in History
The NFL is a league where one trade can change the course of a franchise’s history. While some trades prove to be successful, others can be downright disastrous. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 25 worst trades in NFL history, from the Denver Broncos’ ill-fated deal for Russell Wilson to the Indianapolis Colts’ questionable acquisition of Carson Wentz.
The Consequences of Desperation
Desperation can often lead to poor decision-making, and that’s exactly what happened when the Broncos traded for Russell Wilson. After years of struggling to find a suitable replacement for Peyton Manning, the Broncos sent a king’s ransom to Seattle in exchange for the veteran quarterback. The trade included Drew Lock, Noah Fant, Shelby Harris, two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a fifth-round pick. Unfortunately, Wilson’s time in Denver was marred by disappointment, and he was eventually released in March 2024.
The Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in 2022.
Another example of desperation leading to a poor trade is the Colts’ acquisition of Carson Wentz. Indianapolis was in dire need of a quarterback, and they sent a third-round pick and a conditional first-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for Wentz. However, Wentz’s time in Indianapolis was short-lived, and he failed to impress, going 9-8 as the starter before being traded to Washington.
A desperate Indianapolis Colts team traded for Carson Wentz in 2021.
The Price of Talent
Sometimes, teams are willing to pay a hefty price to acquire top talent. This was the case when the Houston Texans traded for David Johnson, sending DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals in the process. The trade looked suspect at the time, and it’s only gotten worse with age. Johnson struggled in two seasons with the Texans, playing in just 25 games.
The Houston Texans traded for David Johnson, sending DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020.
The Worst of the Worst
These trades are just a few examples of the worst decisions made by NFL teams. From the Los Angeles Rams’ trade for Jared Goff to the Kansas City Chiefs’ acquisition of Matt Cassel, there are countless examples of teams making questionable trades that have cost them dearly.
NFL teams have made some questionable trades over the years.
Conclusion
The NFL is a league where one trade can make all the difference. While some trades prove to be successful, others can be downright disastrous. These 25 worst trades in NFL history serve as a reminder of the importance of making smart, informed decisions.
