5 NFL Trades That Looked Risky but Paid Off Big Time 1
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.
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