30 greatest trades in NFL history: Deals that reshaped teams and futures
A recent deal needs time
In the 2025 offseason, the Los Angeles Rams acquired Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. The deal could become one of the most significant in NFL history, but the early returns are limited.
Garrett had played only one game for the Rams at the time of writing, and the team had started slowly. The Browns received a large package, which could prove costly for Los Angeles if the deal goes poorly.
Trade trees extend the impact
The Trey Lance trade did not work out well for either the San Francisco 49ers or the Miami Dolphins in the immediate sense. Lance did not make an impact in San Francisco, while Miami made poor use of the compensation it received.
The picks became part of a larger trade tree involving Micah Parsons, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb and Sean Payton. San Francisco recovered from the move with Brock Purdy, while Miami ended up in a difficult position.
Quarterbacks and draft choices
Atlanta traded for the first overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft and selected Michael Vick, who led the Falcons to an NFC Championship Game. San Diego had Drew Brees and later traded for Philip Rivers, while using the fifth pick to select LaDainian Tomlinson.
Joe Montana’s move to Kansas City brought the Chiefs a future Hall of Fame quarterback who took them to an AFC Championship berth late in his career. The 49ers traded down for Dana Stubblefield and opened the way for Steve Young to take over at quarterback.
Stars strengthen their teams
San Francisco sent a large package to acquire Christian McCaffrey, an expensive running back who helped make the team better. He won Offensive Player of the Year and finished in the top four of MVP voting twice; the 49ers reached a Super Bowl during his time there.
Kansas City acquired Tony Gonzalez from the Tennessee Oilers during the 1997 NFL Draft, receiving the tight end’s rights along with a fourth-round pick. Gonzalez became a Hall of Famer, though he never won a Super Bowl in Kansas City or elsewhere.
Key points
- The Rams’ Myles Garrett deal remains too new to assess confidently.
- The Trey Lance trade had consequences through a wide-reaching chain of picks and players.
- Joe Montana and Tony Gonzalez became Hall of Famers after joining new teams.
- Christian McCaffrey helped San Francisco reach a Super Bowl.