NFL's Worst Trades: Costly Deals In League History

• Denver Broncos parting ways with Russell Wilson after disappointing tenure.

• Cleveland Browns still hopeful for Deshaun Watson despite lackluster performances.

• Herschel Walker trade to Dallas Cowboys in 1989 led to Super Bowl victories.

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Dec. 16, 2023, in Detroit. The Broncos told Wilson, Monday, March 4

AP

In the 2022 NFL offseason, the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns made significant trades to acquire quarterbacks they hoped would elevate their franchises. However, the outcomes have been less than stellar.

The Broncos are parting ways with Russell Wilson after a disappointing tenure that saw them invest heavily in draft capital and a $124 million contract for two underwhelming seasons. This trade with Seattle, followed by a lucrative extension, is now considered one of the worst deals in NFL history.

On the other hand, the Browns are still holding out hope for Deshaun Watson, whom they acquired from Houston in exchange for a substantial package of draft picks. Despite giving Watson a massive five-year, $230 million contract, Cleveland has seen better performances from his backups in recent seasons.

Reflecting on past NFL trades, one notable example is the Herschel Walker trade to Minnesota by the Dallas Cowboys in 1989. This trade, orchestrated by Jimmy Johnson, brought the Cowboys a wealth of draft picks that led to key players contributing to three Super Bowl victories.

Another infamous trade involved O.J. Simpson moving to the San Francisco 49ers in 1978. Despite high expectations, Simpson's tenure with the 49ers was marred by injuries and underperformance, while the Buffalo Bills capitalized on the trade to secure valuable draft picks.

In more recent history, the San Francisco 49ers made a bold move to acquire Trey Lance in the 2021 draft, only to see him struggle to secure the starting quarterback position and eventually get traded to Dallas after just four starts.

These examples underscore the risks and rewards associated with high-stakes NFL trades. While some trades, like the acquisition of Brett Favre by the Green Bay Packers, can lead to Super Bowl success and Hall of Fame careers, others, such as the Ricky Williams trade to New Orleans, can result in significant disappointment and lost opportunities.

As NFL teams continue to navigate the complexities of player acquisitions and trades, these cautionary tales serve as valuable lessons in the ever-evolving landscape of professional football.