The NFL has witnessed countless trades, but some were so one-sided that they changed the course of franchises for years.
Whether a team gave up too much or underestimated a player’s value, these deals had lasting consequences.
NFL’s Most Lopsided Trade In History
The Herschel Walker Trade
One of the most significant trades in NFL history involved the Dallas Cowboys sending Herschel Walker and four draft picks to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for five players and eight draft picks.
The trade originated from Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson’s strategy to rebuild a struggling franchise. By leveraging those draft picks, Dallas assembled a core group of players, including Emmitt Smith, Darren Woodson, and Russell Maryland, who played key roles in the team’s Super Bowl victories in 1992, 1993, and 1995.
Walker, meanwhile, spent two and a half seasons with the Vikings but never recorded a 1,000-yard rushing season. He was eventually traded again and later returned to Dallas before pursuing other professional opportunities.
John Elway Trade To Denver Broncos
The Colts have multiple notable trades under their name, but few had the long-term impact of the deal that sent John Elway to Denver.In 1983, the Colts held the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, but Elway refused to play for them, even threatening to pursue a baseball career with the New York Yankees. Unwilling to risk losing him entirely, owner Robert Irsay traded Elway to the Broncos for quarterback Mark Herrmann, offensive lineman Chris Hinton, and a 1984 first-round pick, which became guard Ron Solt.
Elway spent 16 seasons in Denver, won the 1987 NFL MVP award, and finished his career as a two-time Super Bowl champion. Meanwhile, Herrmann, Hinton, and Solt never had a comparable impact.
New England Patriots Acquire Bill Belichick
Though not a traditional trade, Bill Belichick’s move from the Jets to the Patriots had lasting consequences. Initially set to succeed Bill Parcells as Jets head coach in 1999, Belichick resigned unexpectedly after just one day. Soon after, New England named him as head coach, this prompted the Jets to demand compensation.
NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue intervened, leading to an agreement where the Patriots sent their first-round pick to the Jets in exchange for Belichick. That pick resulted in Pro Bowl defensive end Shaun Ellis, but the trade’s true impact became clear over the years. Under Belichick, the Patriots built a dynasty, winning multiple Super Bowls and making numerous playoff appearances.
San Francisco 49ers Acquire Steve Young
While Jerry Rice is often associated with Joe Montana, he also won a Super Bowl with Steve Young. Young, one of the most efficient quarterbacks in NFL history, started in the USFL before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he struggled with a 3-16 record over two seasons.
Despite his poor start, 49ers coach Bill Walsh saw his potential and traded a second and fourth-round pick for Young during the 1987 NFL Draft. Young later became a Hall of Famer, winning multiple MVPs and leading San Francisco to three Super Bowl titles, though not all as a starter.
San Francisco 49ers Secure Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice, who once held the NFL’s single-season touchdown record, saw teams overlooking in the 1985 draft due to concerns about his speed. However, 49ers coach Bill Walsh saw his potential after watching his highlights and traded up from the 28th to the 16th pick, sending two selections to New England.
The move proved invaluable as Rice became the greatest receiver in NFL history, winning three Super Bowls and setting numerous records. Meanwhile, the Patriots used the acquired picks on Trevor Matich and Ben Thomas, making the trade heavily one-sided in San Francisco’s favor.
