New York Jets: 20 Best Trades in Franchise History
The New York Jets have been one of the driving forces in the league in recent years. Guided by head coach Rex Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum, Gang Green has ruffled more feathers than just about any other team in the league. They are constantly searching for superstar talent to help them achieve their Super Bowl Championship goal. They have shown that they are willing to go to any extreme to win by signing aging veterans and trading for troubled superstars.
Whenever transactions resume in the NFL, we all expect the Jets to make more noise on the free agent and trade markets. We know they are eying more troubled veterans—and they are plenty of them this offseason.
As we impatiently wait for the lockout to be lifted, it goes us thinking—which are the best trades in New York Jets history?
How did the Jets acquire some of their superstars throughout years? Where do recent superstars Mark Sanchez, Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie and Braylon Edwards rank among the previous Jets superstar trade acquisitions?
We’re going to take a look at which players and draft selections the Jets gave up and received in each trade and the impact it had on the franchise.
Here are the 20 best trades in New York Jets history.
Honorable Mention: Kevan Barlow
1 of 21
"Traded 2007 fourth-round selection to San Francisco 49ers
"
In 2006, the Jets were wearing thin at the running back position. After attempting to trade for Cleveland’s Lee Suggs, the desperate franchise gave the 49ers a fourth-round selection in the upcoming draft to field a proven running back.
For the season, Kevan Barlow would gain 370 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. We’ve seen fourth-rounders produce much less than six touchdowns, and some may not even make the team. Although he only played for one season in New York, it was a trade the Jets needed to make at the time to field a runner.
20. John Conner
2 of 21
"Traded RB Leon Washington and 2010 seventh-round selection to Seattle Seahawks for 2010 fifth-round selection (used on John Conner)
"
Although Leon Washington was a spark plug for the team, New York did not want to pay for his services following a season-ending fibula injury.
In need of a spark plug of their own who could make an impact in the return game, Pete Carroll traded a fifth-round selection in the 2010 draft for Washington to the Jets.
With that selection, Rex Ryan was able to select John Conner, arguably the best lead-blocking fullback in the class. In training camp, Conner was nicknamed “The Terminator” for his ability to annihilate defenders.
Conner appears to be the next great NFL fullback, along the lines of a Lorenzo Neal and former Jets fullback Tony Richardson.
He will prove to be a great asset for the Jets as he fits the mold of the team and can even run the ball with his supreme power and determination.
19. Antonio Cromartie
3 of 21
"Traded 2011 second-round selection to San Diego Chargers
"
Last year, the Jets went all out in free agency to acquire superstar talent to take them over the AFC Championship hump.
Antonio Cromartie, despite being sketchy in run support, is one of the better cornerbacks in the entire league. Although his interception totals decreased in recent years, he once amassed 10 picks in a single season with the Chargers.
The opportunity to pair superstar Darrelle Revis with another Pro Bowl-caliber talent like Cromartie was a chance the Jets needed to take. The second-round selection proved to be a fair trading piece as the Jets once again made an appearance in the AFC Championship and was assisted by Cromartie throughout the postseason with his return skills.
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18. Hugh Douglas
4 of 21
"Traded WR Rob Moore for RB Ronald Moore and Cardinals 1995 first-round selection (used on Hugh Douglas)
"
Rob Moore may have been a Pro Bowler, while Ron Moore was not much of a running back, the Jets were able to land one of the better pass-rushers in the draft in Hugh Douglas.
Although he only played for three seasons with the Jets, Douglas was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year as he recorded 10 sacks. His production began to diminish, as he posted just 12 sacks in the following two seasons, which directly resulted to him being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for two draft selections.
17. Leon Washington
5 of 21
"Received Kansas City Chiefs 2006 fourth-round selection (used on Leon Washington) in compensation for Herm Edwards
"
New York needed to go in a new direction following the Herm Edwards era. Still, they weren’t ready to let go of their charismatic coach without compensation.
In order to land their desired coach, Kansas City compensated New York with a fourth-round selection in the 2006 NFL draft, which the Jets used to select running back Leon Washington.
Washington would become an instant fan favorite in New York with his speed, vision, receiving ability and impact in the return game.
Although the team unjustly let him go following a devastating leg injury against Oakland, he has since bounced back with the Seattle Seahawks making an impact in their return game.
16. Brett Favre
6 of 21
"Traded 2009 third-round selection
"
Following seasons of poor quarterback play, the waning franchise needed to be rejuvenated. After wavering between playing and retiring, Hall of Famer and magical quarterback Brett Favre decided he still wanted to play. In search of somebody to take the team to the top, New York traded a conditional draft selection to the Green Bay Packers for Favre.
One of the greatest players in league history, Favre was greeted with open arms and even given the key to the city.
Although the Jets crumbled in the final month of the season, which was believed to be due to an injury to Brett, he gave the team hopes for a postseason push throughout the season. The magic we saw in Green Bay appeared at times in New York, most notably against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.
He was only a member of Gang Green for one season, but he gave hope to New Yorkers in every game and helped rejuvenate the team in the final year of the Eric Mangini era.
15. Shonn Greene
7 of 21
"Traded 2009 third-, fourth- and seventh-round selections to Detroit for third-round selection
"
In Rex Ryan’s debut draft with the team, he specifically targeted a franchise quarterback and running back to power his offense.
The Jets traded three of their remaining four selections to move up for their new star running back, Shonn Greene out of Iowa.
The Iowa product was one of the best running backs in school history, as he displayed great vision, patience and most importantly, power. That season, Greene would prove to be an important piece late in the season and in the playoffs as his rushing performances helped guide the team to an AFC Championship appearance.
In two years with the team, New York has been to two-consecutive AFC Championships. Entering his third season, he is expected to be the true featured running back and looks to be every bit the franchise runner Ryan envisioned behind their talented offensive line.
14. Kris Jenkins
8 of 21
"Traded 2008 third- and fifth-round selections
"
Jenkins is one of the better nose tackles of the new millennium. Although he was just released from the team after two injury-plagued seasons, he was a destructive force in his first season. The ability to land an impact player of his caliber for two mid-round selections is an opportunity every team would take advantage of.
He was in the running for the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year. Many, including myself, believe that if he was available for either of the previous two AFC Championship games, the Jets would have made a Super Bowl appearance—he is that good and makes that much of an impact on the field.
13. Boomer Esiason
9 of 21
"Traded 1993 third-round selection to Cincinnati Bengals
"
In need of a quarterback, the Jets traded a mere third-round selection for the prolific superstar Boomer Esiason.
He went on to play with the Jets for three years and went to the 1993 Pro Bowl. That 1993 debut season was his best as he threw for 3,421 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Although he was one the downside of his career and suffered a concussion against the Bills in his last season with the team, the Jets were able to land a big-name starting QB for a third-round selection.
12. Jim Sweeney
10 of 21
"Traded DT Abdul Salaam and QB Kenny Neil to San Diego Chargers for 1984 second-round selection
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Although a fine player, Kenny Neil was expendable and Abdul Salaam’s abilities were beginning to wane. The Jets traded them to San Diego and were able to land Jim Sweeney with the Chargers’ selection.
The game is won in the trenches and the offensive line needs stability to control the pace of the game. Sweeney was a very good interior lineman with the ability to play guard and center. More importantly, he played with the Jets for 11 seasons.
11. Richard Todd
11 of 21
"Traded to New Orleans Saints for 1984 first-round selection
"
The Jets knew their franchise quarterback, who often did more harm than good, was on the downturn of his career and decided to ship him off to New Orleans for a first-round selection.
This proved to be a steal as he would only last in New Orleans for two seasons and did not perform any better for the Saints.
With two first-round selections in the 1984 draft, New York was able to land defensive back Russell Carter and defensive end Ron Faurot.
Todd finished his career throw for 124 touchdowns and 161 interceptions, most with the Jets.
10. Braylon Edwards
12 of 21
"Traded 2010 third- and fifth-round selections, WR Chansi Stuckey and LB Jason Trusnik to Cleveland
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New York was in desperate need of a big-time playmaking receiver. A former first-round selection, it was a steal for the Jets to grab Braylon Edwards, who posted 16-touchdowns in his breakout 2007 season.
He proved to be an important piece for the accelerated progression of the entire team and QB Mark Sanchez.
In his first postseason appearance, Edwards accumulated 100 yards and a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship. He would help the team get back to the AFC Championship for the second-straight season in 2010.
Now a free agent, he is expected to be back with the team once free agency begins.
9. Bill Parcells
13 of 21
"Acquired for 1997 third- and fourth-round selections, 1998 second-round selection and 1999 first-round selection in various years
"
It may seem like a lot, but the Patriots did not do much with their selections acquired from New York. Even more, Bills Parcells is widely regarded as one of the greatest football minds of all-time.
His presence, aura and mystique alone were worth it all for the Jets who desperately need to be resurrected as a franchise. Parcells gave every Jets fan hope for a Super Bowl Championship after his previous success in the league.
In his first season with the Jets, they went 9-7 and almost made the playoffs. In his second year, he took them to the playoffs with a 12-4 record. Although bumped from the playoffs, the team was once again relevant as a contender.
8. Keyshawn Johnson
14 of 21
"Traded to Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two 2000 first-round selections
"
The former No. 1 overall selection’s time in New York was winding down. The Jets decided to trade him to Tampa Bay for two first-round selects, which turned out to be defensive end Shaun Ellis No. 12 overall and tight end Anthony Becht No. 27 overall.
Although Becht was merely a middle of the pack tight end, Shaun Ellis became a staple for the franchise throughout the new millennium. He is now a free agent, but one of the leaders of the defense will most likely return to the team to help lead Gang Green to the Super Bowl.
Keyshawn went on to win a Super Bowl in 2002-2003 with the Buccaneers.
7. Marvin Jones and Johnny Johnson
15 of 21
Traded 1993 First-round selection to the Cardinals for first-round selection (used to selection Marvin Jones) and RB Johnny Johnson
In the 1993 draft, the Cardinals desperately wanted running back Garrison Hearst—so much so that they traded the Jets their first-round selection and running back Johnny Johnson to move up one spot.
Linebacker Marvin Jones would head to a Pro Bowl during his career and become a great linebacker for the Jets. In 2000, he recorded 135 tackles in one single season. He played his entire career with Gang Green, finishing his career with 1,200 tackles, 10 forced fumbles, nine sacks and five interceptions.
Johnson only played for two years with the Jets, but was one of the MVP’s of the team during his time. He led the Jets in rushing and receiving in 1993 and was second in the AFC in yards from scrimmage.
New York landed two great pieces for the team from the Cardinals just so they could move up one spot.
6. Matt Robinson
16 of 21
"Traded to Denver Broncos for 1980 first- and second-round selections
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The Jets traded quarterback Matt Robinson to the Denver Broncos for first- and second-round selections in the 1980 draft.
At the time New York traded Robinson, he was the backup quarterback. When he did receive extended playing time, he posted 13 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
Guarantee Denver wishes they had that back.
Robinson would only last one year with the team. The Jets essentially landed two early-round selections for nothing with this trade.
He would finish his career with 3,519 yards, 18 touchdowns and 38 interceptions.
5. Santonio Holmes
17 of 21
"Traded 2010 fifth-round selection to Pittsburgh Steelers
"
After a troubled 2009 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin felt it was necessary to remove Santonio Holmes from the classy organization.
New York quickly jumped at the chance to land the Super Bowl XLIII MVP. Despite missing the first four games of the season, he would prove to be an invaluable piece for the team.
Santonio would rival Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald for the title of most clutch receiver in the game today as he was an integral piece in the victories against Detroit, Cleveland, Houston and finally New England in the AFC Divisional round of the playoffs.
It is clear the Jets need a player with his big-time experience and ability to stand up in the face of pressure. He is now a major priority for New York to re-sign this offseason.
4. Mark Sanchez
18 of 21
"Traded 2009 first- and second-round selections, DE Kenyon Coleman, QB Brett Ratliff and S Abram Elam to Cleveland for No. 5 Overall Selection
"
New York needed its new franchise quarterback following a disappointed year with Hall of Famer Brett Favre. Favre rejuvenated the team but they ultimately fell short of the playoffs.
In Rex Ryan’s first draft with the team, he knew he needed a fresh, young quarterback to call his own.
Still with ties to Eric Mangini, Mike Tannenbaum finagled a blockbuster steal to net New York their new QB—USC’s Mark Sanchez, who was immediately deemed the Sanchise instead of the franchise.
In two seasons with the Gang Green, Mark has helped lead the team to two-straight AFC Championships.
Entering his third season with the team, he clearly has the ability to win a Super Bowl in New York.
3. Darrelle Revis
19 of 21
"Traded 2007 first-, second- and fifth-round selections to Carolina Panthers for 2007 first-round selection
"
The only player in today’s NFL who can rival Darrelle Revis for best cornerback in the game is Oakland’s Nnamdi Asomugha, who every Jets fan is praying for to come to the team as a free agent this year.
He is one of the few cornerbacks in the game who can cut off one half of the field. He has incredible ball skills and confidence, which is why Rex Ryan allows him to play one-on-one with every receiver in the game. He is so talented in single coverage he has been nicknamed “Revis Island” because he plays on an island all to himself. We all wait to see each week how the newest arrival to Revis Island will fare throughout the contest—if they even have a ball thrown their way.
This is a player with Hall of Fame talent, which makes this trade a steal for Gang Green. He is arguably the most valuable player on the entire team and gives the team an advantage in every single contest as they eye their Super Bowl Championship.
2. Curtis Martin
20 of 21
"Signed as restricted free agent with First- and third-round
"
Only Hall of Famer John Riggins can rival Curtis Martin as the greatest Jets running back.
Martin was a staple for Gang Green as the three-time Pro Bowler with the Jets consistently churned out massive yards.
He missed just one game in his first season with the team before playing in every contest for six-straight seasons. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first seven seasons with the team, winning the NFL rushing title at age 31 (oldest player ever) in 2004 with 1,697 yards—one more yard than Seattle’s Shaun Alexander.
A member of the Jets’ Ring of Honor and All-time Four Decade Team, he is the franchise’s all-time rushing leader with 10,302 yards and fourth-leading rusher in NFL history.
1. Joe Namath
21 of 21
"Traded QB Jerry Rhome and AFL draft selection to Houston Oilers for first-round selection (used on Joe Namath)
"
Joe Namath is hands down the greatest player to ever grace Gang Green. Although plagued by injuries throughout his career he was the superstar that drove New York, hence the name “Broadway Joe.”
The Hall of Famer was the first quarterback to ever throw for 4,000 yards in a single season when he did so in 1967.
The five-time Pro Bowler won the AFL Championship in 1998 and then went on to his great accomplishment—fulfilling his guarantee to upset the Baltimore Colts, who were favored by 18 points, in Super Bowl III.
Namath was awarded the Super Bowl III MVP award after leading New York to the monstrous upset with 206 yards passing.
He stayed with the team for 11 seasons and was awarded the 1965 AFL Rookie of the Year, 1968 and 1969 AFL Player of the Year and 1974 Comeback Player of the Year awards.
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