DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 20: Wilson brand footballs with the NFL logo are pictured during the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
There have been some incredible trades in NFL history, and there have been some trades that are equally as bad. Here are the top 5 worst trades in the history of the NFL:
5. Tampa Bay trades Steve Young to the San Francisco 49ers (1987)
MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 29: Quarterback Steve Young #8 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates as he runs to the sideline against the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX at Joe Robbie Stadium on January 29, 1995 in Miami, Florida. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 49-26. (Photo by Joseph Patronite /Getty Images)
Tampa received two draft picks for a player who won two MVP awards as well as a Super Bowl ring
4. Carolina Panthers trade for the first overall pick in the 2023 draft and take Bryce Young (2023)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – APRIL 27: (L-R) Bryce Young poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected first overall by the Carolina Panthers during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station on April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
It would be generous to say the jury is still out on Bryce Young, but Carolina gave up D.J. Moore and as well as four early round picks to take him
3. Cleveland Browns acquire Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans (2022)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns passes during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Titans 27-3. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Not only was it a disaster to trade five draft picks to get Watson, but Cleveland also gave him a $230 million deal hampering the franchise for years
2. New Orleans Saints trade up to take Ricky Williams (1999)
Oct 29, 2000; Tempe, AZ, USA; FILE PHOTO; New Orleans Saints running back Ricky Williams (34) in action against the Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK
Mike Ditka decided to trade New Orleans’ entire draft (except for a second-round pick) to Washington for Williams who only stayed with the team for three years. Awful overpay.
1. Minnesota Vikings acquire Herschel Walker from the Dallas Cowboys for five players and eight draft picks (1990)
Unknown date; Atlanta, GA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings running Herschel Walker (34) in action against the Atlanta Falcons during the 1991 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas traded away Walker and essentially reshaped their franchise as most of the players they selected helped set the foundation for their 1990’s dynasty and three Super Bowl wins
