NFL Trade Rumors: 20 Most Lopsided Trades in NFL History

The NFL season culminated this past Sunday night with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers topping Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. Now, every team in the NFL is trying to find a way to win Super Bowl XLVI. Every head coach and general manager in the league is analyzing every aspect of their organization on how to achieve success in 2011-2012.

These same general managers and head coaches are not just eying their own team up and down, but the 31 other teams as well. If there is a way for a trade to go down this off season, they’ll explore it. We’ve seen some big trades happen in the NFL, most of them occurring during the NFL draft.

We’re going to take a look at the 20 most lopsided trades in NFL history.

20. Buffalo Bills Trade First-Round Draft Pick for Drew Bledsoe, 2002

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SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Drew Bledsoe #11 of the Buffalo Bills looks on against the San Francisco 49ers at Monster Park on December 26, 2004 in San Francisco, California. The Bills defeated the Niners 41-7. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Gett

As Tom Brady was emerging following his first Super Bowl victory, Drew Bledsoe’s career was winding down and deemed a non-factor in New England.

Of course, division rival Buffalo thought it’d be a great idea to trade a first-round draft pick for the veteran.

Wrong.

Although Bledsoe performed well, New England handed the keys over to Tom Brady who would become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

19. Miami Dolphins Trade Wes Welker to New England Patriots, 2007

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 24: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots lines up at scrimmage against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 24, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Dolphins received a second- and seventh-round draft pick in the 2007 draft for Wes Welker.

Welker was a very good return man for the Dolphins, but they failed to utilize him to the best of his abilities.

Of course, Bill Belichick knew how to utilize Welker. Of course.

Welker would go on to instantly become one of the best wide receivers in the league. He opened his Patriots career with three straight 100 reception seasons and was a vital part of the Patriots’ undefeated season in 2007. Even after suffering a devastating knee injury at the end of 2009, Welker came back in 2002 to perform at an extremely high level.

Welker was one of the best kept secrets in the NFL. He was unleashed in New England.

18. New England Patriots Trade Deion Branch to Seattle Seahawks, 2006

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Deion Branch #83 of the Seattle Seahawks tosses the ball to fans after scoring a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at Qwest Field on September 26, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Charger

The Seahawks thought they traded a first-round draft pick for a former Super Bowl MVP.

Literally, they did.

Except that the Seahawks never got any investment in their return. Branch never materialized and was often injured.

Branch was eventually traded back to the New England Patriots in 2010, who oddly enough caught a touchdown in his first game back with Tom Brady.

Clearly we see why Deion Branch was ever good in the first place…

17. Arizona Cardinals Trade No. 2 Overall Draft Pick to San Diego Chargers, 1998

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11 Oct 1998: Quarterback Ryan Leaf #16 of the San Diego Chargers in action during a game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 7-6.

The Chargers gave up two first-round picks, one second-round pick and Pro Bowler Eric Metcalf to move up one spot in the 1998 draft.

Sounds like a lot, right?

It is.

It’s even amplified when you find out that the Chargers drafted Ryan Leaf, one of the greatest busts in NFL history.

16. Cleveland Browns Trade Braylon Edwards to New York Jets, 2009

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Braylon Edwards #17 of the New York Jets celebrates on his way to defeating the Patriots 28 to 21 in their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael He

The Jets traded former Eric Mangini players back to Mangini in Cleveland. Chansi Stuckey, Jason Trusnik, a third- and fifth-round pick for a former Pro Bowl receiver.

The Browns were fed up with Edwards’ drops, but we’re still talking about a No. 3 overall draft pick who once caught 16 touchdowns in a single season.

With Edwards, the Jets have gone to two consecutive AFC Championship games. Cleveland is still hovering around the bottom of the league.

15. Mike Ditka, New Orleans Saints, Trade Draft to Washington, 1999

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28 Oct 2001 : Ricky Williams #34 of the New Orleans Saints outruns a tackle by the St.Louis Rams during the game at the Dome at the America's Center in St.Louis, Missouri. The Saints beat the Rams 34-31. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Elsa/Allsport

Ditka gave Washington the No. 12 overall pick and the second, fourth, fifth and sixth-round picks in the 1999 draft. That’s not all. He also gave them first and third-round picks in 2000.

Ricky Williams was a fantastic running back but didn’t last long in New Orleans. Neither did Ditka.

Funny though, Washington didn’t do much with their draft picks.

14. Los Angeles Rams Trade Jerome Bettis to Pittsburgh Steelers, 1996

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DETROIT - FEBRUARY 05: Running back Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs out onto the field first as his team is introduced before the start of Super Bowl XL against the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field on February 5, 2006 in Detroit, Michigan

Bettis was traded from the Los Angeles Rams to the Pittsburgh Steelers in April 1996 for a 1996 second-round pick and 1997 fourth-round pick. The Steelers also received a 1996 third-round pick.

Bettis was the 1996 Comeback Player of the Year and became one of the better running backs in the NFL.

He culminated his Pittsburgh career with a Super Bowl win in 2006 over the Seattle Seahawks.

13. Dallas Cowboys Trade Herschel Walker to Minnesota Vikings, 1989

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SAN FRANCISCO - JANUARY 6: Running back Herschel Walker #34 of the Minnesota Vikings rushes for yards during the 1989 NFC Divisional Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on January 6, 1990 in San Francisco, California. The 49

The Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys completed the biggest trade in NFL history by swapping 18 players.

The Vikings received running back Herschel Walker, 1990 and 1991 third-round draft picks and a 1990 tenth-round draft pick.

The Cowboys received linebackers Jesse Solomon and David Howard, cornerback Isaac Holt, running back Darrin Nelson, defensive end Alex Stewart, 1990 first, second and sixth-round draft picks, 1991 first and second-round draft picks and 1992 first, second and third-round draft picks.

Minnesota also received a 1990 San Diego Chargers fifth-round draft pick after Dallas traded running back Darrin Nelson for it.

This is the trade that set the Cowboys’ ‘90’s dynasty in motion as Dallas was able to draft Emmitt Smith and Darren Woodson, two all-time great players.

Funny enough, Herschel Walker ended up back in Dallas and lasted just two seasons with Minnesota.

12. Ollie Matson Traded for Nine Los Angeles Rams Players, 1959

Chicago Cardinals running back Ollie Matson was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for nine players in one of the biggest trades in NFL history.

The Cardinals received tackles Frank Fuller and Ken Panfil, defensive end Glenn Holtzman, defensive tackle Art Hauser, John Tracey, full back Larry Hickman, running back Don Brown, 1960 second-round draft pick and another player who was expected to be declared during the 1959 training camp.

At least Matson was a terrific player.

11. Indianapolis Colts Trade Marshall Faulk to St. Louis Rams, 1998

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ST. LOUIS - NOVEMBER 7: Running back Marshall Faulk #28 of the St. Louis Rams runs upfield against the New England Patriots on November 7, 2004 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. The Patriots defeated the Rams 40-22. (Photo by Elsa/Getty I

Marshall Faulk, one of the greatest running backs and dual-threats in NFL history was traded to the St. Louis Rams for second- and fifth-round draft picks.

Faulk would become an MVP and Super Bowl Champion with the St. Louis Rams and dominated the NFL with his rushing and receiving ability.

10. San Francisco 49ers Trade Terrell Owens to Philadelphia Eagles, 2004

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 02: Terrell Owens #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball upfield after making a reception during the second half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 2, 2005 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missour

Terrell Owens is one of the greatest receivers in NFL history.

Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles had trouble getting past the NFC Championship hump.

With Owens on board, though, Philadelphia made it to the Super Bowl. Although they lost to the New England Patriots and Owens and Philly had bad breakup, Owens proved his worth by taking the Eagles to the Super Bowl and coming back early from a broken leg to have a marvelous game.

What did Philly give up for Owens?

A conditional fifth-round pick and defensive end Brandon Whiting.

9. Arizona Cardinals Trade Anquan Boldin to Baltimore Ravens, 2010

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Anquan Boldin #81 of the Baltimore Ravens against Brent Grimes #20 of the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Since his rookie season, Anquan Boldin has been one of the most gifted and toughest receivers in the NFL. He is also one of the best run-blocking receivers in the game.

Boldin was getting fed up with the Cardinals because they unjustly refused to pay him what he was worth.

Baltimore didn’t care. They knew what they would obtain one of the best the league has to offer.

Baltimore only gave up 2010 third-, fourth- and fifth-round draft picks.

8. Baltimore Colts Trade John Elway to Denver Broncos, 1983

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17 Jan 1999: John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos celebrates during the AFC Championship Game against the New York Jets at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Jets 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport

John Elway needs no introduction.

Yes, John Elway threatened to play baseball instead of playing for the Baltimore Colts.

Still, the Broncos gave up quarterback Mark Hermann, tackle Chris Hinton and wide receiver Andre Rison.

If you’re asking yourself, “who?”

That would be the correct response.

7. Detroit Lions Trade Roy Williams to Dallas Cowboys, 2008

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Roy Williams #11 of the Dallas Cowboys stands on the field during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

I was a big fan of Roy Williams in Texas.

Unfortunately, he was a far better wide receiver in college than in the NFL.

Jerry Jones decided to inject some life into the Cowboys offense during the 2008 season.

He traded away first-, third- and sixth-round draft picks in 2009 as well as a 2010 seventh-round draft pick.

Roy Williams has done nothing in Dallas. He’s even failed to be an adequate sidekick to both Terrell Owens and Miles Austin.

Congrats on the steal, Detroit.

6. New York Jets Trade Coach to New England Patriots, 2000

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 10: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2010 AFC wild-card playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 10, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Imag

The Jets received a 2000 first-round draft pick, which they used on Shaun Ellis in exchange for their coach.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t just any coach.

It was Bill Belichick.

Belichick, still with the Patriots, has been one of the most successful coaches in NFL history.

In my opinion, he is the very best. Ever.

Three Super Bowl wins and four Super Bowl appearances under Belichick’s watchful eye. Well worth a first-round draft pick.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers Trade Santonio Holmes to New York Jets, 2010

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Santonio Holmes #10 of the New York Jets celebrates after he scored a third quarter touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvani

In April 2010, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded Super Bowl XLII MVP to the New York Jets for… Get this one…

…A fifth-round draft pick!

Holmes was traded because Pittsburgh management did not want to deal with Holmes and his off-field issues. He had been arrested for possession of marijuana and was benched by head coach Mike Tomlin.

Pittsburgh’s loss was clearly New York’s gain.

For a measly fifth-round draft pick, the Jets gained arguably the most clutch wide receiver in the NFL.

Holmes was suspended the first four games of the 2010 season but once he came back for the Jets, he exploded when the Jets needed him most.

He was a vital factor in the Jets’ terrific 2010-2011 season.

4. Brett Favre Traded from Atlanta Falcons to Green Bay Packers, 1992

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GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 20: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Green Bay Packers throws a 90 yard touchdown reception against the New York Giants during the NFC championship game on January 20, 2008 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jam

Favre may have been a controversial media figure the past few years, and even a nuisance at times with his wavering retirement plans, but Favre is one of the single greatest players in NFL history.

He became arguably the most bankable player in the NFL during his prime, which was saw him win three straight MVP awards and a Super Bowl Championship in 1997.

He did all of this with the Green Bay Packers, who traded a first-round draft pick to the Falcons for the greatest gunslinger in NFL history.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trade Steve Young to San Francisco 49ers, 1987

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14 Dec 1998: Steve Young #8 of the San Francisco 49ers signals a touchdown during the game against the Detroit Lions at 3Com Park in San Francisco, California. The 49ers defeated the Lions 35-13. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport

Tampa Bay was still awful even with Steve Young on the team and decided to trade him away for a second- and fourth-round draft pick to San Francisco during the 1987 draft.

Steve Young would go to San Francisco and backup Joe Montana. He would become the eventual starter for the 49ers and lead the team to a Super Bowl victory while Tampa Bay continued to struggle.

Patience is a virtue, my friends.

2. Oakland Raiders Trade Randy Moss to New England Patriots, 2007

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots participates in pregame drills before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Randy Moss was an absolute failure and disappointment for the Oakland Raiders. Everyone expected Moss to instantly revive the Raiders. He set them back even further. With the Raiders fed up, they were willing to trade Randy Moss for next to nothing.

It seemed nobody wanted a piece of the potential Randy Moss headache.

That’s when Bill Belichick swoops in and shows everyone who the true mastermind of the NFL is.

Belichick traded a worthless fourth-round draft pick to the Raiders. Moss went on to set the NFL single-season touchdown record with 23 touchdown receptions. He also helped lead the Patriots to the Super Bowl that season and an undefeated regular season.

How many fourth-round picks can ever say they did that?

1. New England Patriots Trade Randy Moss to Minnesota Vikings, 2010

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 31: Randy Moss #84 of the Minnesota Vikings runs onto the field before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Bill Belichick felt Randy Moss could no longer help his team win a Super Bowl.

After the Patriots lost to the Jets in the AFC Divisional round, that’s now debatable.

Still, the Patriots were actually better in 2010 without Moss.

New England traded Moss and a 2012 seventh-round draft pick to the Vikings for a 2011 third-round draft pick.

Not bad.

Yeah, it is. Moss was a disappointment for the Vikings and was placed on waivers four weeks later and claimed by the Tennessee Titans.

The Vikings traded a third-round draft pick for nothing while the Patriots actually received a higher draft pick than the one they originally traded for Moss in 2007.