Sports Then and Now

NFL trades are a high-stakes gamble. Teams risk future draft picks, established players, or hefty financial commitments, all in pursuit of a championship or a franchise-defining player. While some trades flop spectacularly, others deliver results that far exceed expectations.

Here are five trades that seemed risky at the time but proved to be transformative for the teams involved.

1.    Raiders’ Trade for Davante Adams in 2022

The Raiders made headlines in 2022 when they traded two premium draft picks for wide receiver Davante Adams. At the time, critics questioned whether investing so heavily in one player was wise, especially given the team’s other roster needs. Though undeniably talented, Adams joined a team that wasn’t viewed as an immediate contender.

Expectations surrounding the team’s potential immediately shifted, and discussions about their playoff chances dominated the conversation.

Even the NFL Vegas line reflected the growing optimism, with odds adjusting to account for the game-changing impact Adams was expected to bring.

Adams wasted no time proving his value. He finished his debut season with some of the best numbers of his career, leading the league in receiving touchdowns and setting multiple franchise records. His presence also elevated the entire offense, creating opportunities for other players and forcing defenses to adapt their game plans.

For the Raiders, this trade wasn’t just about stats. It was about establishing an identity. Adams’ leadership on and off the field became a cornerstone of their strategy, solidifying him as a game-changer. Despite initial doubts, this move has firmly positioned the Raiders as a team to watch.

2.    Chiefs Trade Up for Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 NFL Draft

Drafting Patrick Mahomes is a move that has redefined the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs traded up to the 10th overall pick, sending two first-rounders and a third-rounder to the Buffalo Bills.

At the time, the gamble seemed significant, as Mahomes wasn’t considered a consensus top prospect. Scouts had mixed reviews, labelling his improvisational style as a strength and a potential liability.

What followed is nothing short of legendary. Mahomes has since led the Chiefs to four Super Bowl appearances and three championships. He’s earned two NFL MVP awards and is already regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. The Bills did secure Tre’Davious White and Tremaine Edmunds with the picks, but Mahomes has overshadowed any returns Buffalo gained from the deal.

This trade became the foundation of the Chiefs’ modern dynasty and cemented Mahomes as the face of the NFL.

3.    Rams Acquire Matthew Stafford in 2021

When the Los Angeles Rams traded for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, they gave up Jared Goff, two first-round picks, and a third-rounder. The cost raised questions, particularly as Stafford was already in his 30s and had never won a playoff game in Detroit.

Stafford silenced all doubts immediately. In his first season with the Rams, he led the team to a Super Bowl victory, showcasing his ability to elevate an already talented roster. While injuries have slowed him since that championship validated the trade.

Conversely, the Detroit Lions gained valuable assets, including Jared Goff, who revitalized his career in Detroit. The Lions used the acquired picks to bolster their roster, including drafting Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta. Both teams have benefited, but Stafford’s role in bringing a championship to Los Angeles is the highlight of this trade.

4.    Ravens Trade Up for Lamar Jackson in the 2018 NFL Draft

Lamar Jackson’s journey to Baltimore was anything but straightforward. As the final pick in the first round, Jackson’s draft stock had dipped despite his Heisman-winning college career.

The Ravens traded up to secure him, sending three picks to the Philadelphia Eagles. Critics at the time questioned whether Jackson could succeed as an NFL quarterback.

Fast-forward to today, and Jackson has transformed the Ravens. He has become one of the most dynamic players in NFL history, with two league MVP awards and countless electrifying performances. His ability to dominate as a passer and a runner has redefined what teams can expect from a quarterback.

The Eagles used the picks to secure solid players like Dallas Goedert and Miles Sanders, but Philadelphia lingers with the regret of missing out on Jackson.

5.    Rams Land Von Miller Mid-Season in 2021

Trading for Von Miller in the middle of the 2021 season was a bold move for the Rams. The veteran edge rusher had already achieved legendary status, but injuries and age raised concerns about how much he had left in the tank. The Rams parted with two Day 2 draft picks to acquire him from the Denver Broncos.

Miller’s impact was immediate and undeniable. He recorded five sacks during the regular season and added four more in the playoffs. His performance in the Rams’ Super Bowl victory against the Cincinnati Bengals proved pivotal, with his relentless pressure disrupting the Bengals’ offensive flow.

Denver hasn’t reaped significant rewards from the trade yet, but for the Rams, the addition of Miller was a critical piece in their championship puzzle.

Wrapping Up

These trades reveal that calculated risks often yield the greatest rewards. Teams that show conviction in their decisions, whether trading up for a quarterback, investing in veteran talent, or acquiring proven stars, can transform their fortunes. So, the next time your team makes a trade that seems risky, consider the upside. As these examples show, the payoff can be monumental.