NFL: Top 5 Blockbuster Trades in NFL History
NFL: Top 5 Blockbuster Trades in NFL History
November 7, 2024
1. Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings (1989)
In one of the biggest trades in NFL history, the Dallas Cowboys sent star running back Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a massive haul of players and draft picks. This trade gave Dallas the pieces needed to build a Super Bowl dynasty, using the picks to draft players like Emmitt Smith and Darren Woodson. Walker’s trade set a new standard for what one player could command in the NFL.
Read more about Herschel Walker’s career
2. Joe Montana to the Kansas City Chiefs (1993)
After winning four Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers, Joe Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993. The 49ers had decided to go with Steve Young as their quarterback, and Montana’s move to Kansas City gave the Chiefs an immediate boost. Montana led the Chiefs to the playoffs and proved he could still compete at the highest level, solidifying his legacy outside of San Francisco.
Discover Joe Montana’s legendary stats
3. Brett Favre to the Green Bay Packers (1992)
Before he was a superstar, Brett Favre was traded from the Atlanta Falcons to the Green Bay Packers for a first-round pick. This trade became one of the most lopsided in NFL history, as Favre went on to win three MVP awards and lead the Packers to a Super Bowl victory. Favre’s move to Green Bay not only changed the course of the Packers’ franchise but also shaped the NFL’s quarterback landscape for years to come.
Check out Brett Favre’s Hall of Fame journey
4. Randy Moss to the New England Patriots (2007)
In 2007, the New England Patriots acquired Randy Moss from the Oakland Raiders for a fourth-round draft pick. Moss revitalized his career with Tom Brady as his quarterback, and the duo led the Patriots to an undefeated regular season. Although they fell short in the Super Bowl, Moss’ 23 touchdown receptions in 2007 set a single-season record and established one of the NFL’s most explosive offensive partnerships.
Explore Randy Moss’s iconic career
5. Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears (2018)
When the Chicago Bears traded two first-round picks to acquire Khalil Mack from the Oakland Raiders in 2018, they landed one of the league’s most dominant defensive players. Mack’s immediate impact transformed the Bears’ defense, making them one of the NFL’s most formidable units. His presence elevated Chicago’s defense and helped them secure an NFC North title in his first season.
Learn more about Khalil Mack’s impact
Conclusion
These blockbuster trades have left an indelible mark on the NFL, showing that sometimes, one move can change everything. From Super Bowl wins to unforgettable seasons, these trades reshaped franchises and electrified fans. As we look to the future, we can only wonder which blockbuster trade will be next.