In the fast-paced world of the National Football League, trades can redefine teams’ trajectories, both in the short and long term. Recent trades that have sent stars in return for mostly unproven young talent have made waves, including traded player projections and resulting analysis. This piece explores some of the big trades over the last two years. It breaks out the big winners, explains what was traded, and analyzes how this deal affects the players on both sides (and more!).
Last year in November, the Miami Dolphins pulled a stunning trigger on a deal with the Denver Broncos. They traded for edge rusher Bradley Chubb and got a 2025 fifth-round pick in return. In return, the Dolphins received running back Chase Edmonds, a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick. This trade was meant to strengthen Miami’s defense, as Chubb was viewed as a key piece for Miami’s playoff hopes.
The Dolphins’ bet on Chubb came with risks and potential ramifications. The 2025 fifth-round pick they got in return turned into safety Dante Trader Jr., providing more depth to the backend of their defense. The cost of the trade — especially the first-round pick — hangs over everything. That selection could net a franchise-altering prospect for the team that receives it. All of this has Miami fans questioning if the high upside chosen was worth the risk.
Jets and Packers: A Quarterback Exchange
In April 2023, the New York Jets orchestrated a high-profile trade with the Green Bay Packers, acquiring quarterback Aaron Rodgers along with 2023 first- and fifth-round picks. This monumental decision aimed to breathe new life into the Jets’ unchanged offense, which had seemed lifeless in seasons past. The Packers did very well in return, landing an eye-popping bounty of draft picks. Once completed, they had received a 2023 first, second, and sixth-round pick, plus a conditional 2024 second-round pick.
The Jets utilized their acquired picks efficiently. In the second round, they targeted edge rusher Will McDonald IV and safety Jarrick Bernard-Converse. Both players are projected to be important pieces for the next several seasons. On top of that, they added TE Zack Kuntz through the draft, adding yet another weapon to their offensive arsenal.
On the other end of the trade, the Packers were pragmatic in attempting to restock their roster with the new picks. They traded up to use their own first-round pick to take a defensive lineman with Lukas Van Ness. In addition, their other selections allowed them to nab tight end Luke Musgrave, kicker Anders Carlson and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. The overall success of this trade will probably depend on the future development of the two teams’ respective picks in next year’s draft.
Chiefs and Giants: The Toney Trade
Last October, the Kansas City Chiefs pulled a doozy of a stunt. They made a trade with the New York Giants to famously land wide receiver Kadarius Toney. The Giants got 2023 third- and sixth-round picks back in exchange. And that’s because this trade really got people interested. When healthy, Toney showed flashes of greatness, but he was plagued with injuries during his time in New York.
Their investment in Toney paid huge dividends as he turned into a valuable chess piece of their high-octane offense. Toney’s selection begged the question of whether Dave Gettleman & Co. were fit to handle their own draft board. They launched those draft picks into selection tight finish Darren Waller and cornerback Tre Hawkins III. Each of these moves could go a long way toward making them much more competitive down the line.
As each team adjusts to their new players, the success of this trade is still being measured. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how Toney will develop under Kansas City’s tutelage. They’re judging this by his tenure in New York.
Browns and Cowboys: A Strategic Trade
In March 2022, the Cleveland Browns engaged in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys to acquire wide receiver Amari Cooper along with a 2022 sixth-round pick. In exchange, the Cowboys obtained a 2022 fifth- and sixth-round selection. Yet in retrospect, this move was a tactical genius play for both teams. It improved Cleveland’s receiving corps and provided Dallas with additional draft capital.
Cooper’s impact on the Browns has been substantial, providing them with a reliable target and experience that has been crucial for their offensive strategy. Cleveland’s sixth-round pick turned into the selection that led them to wide receiver, Michael Woods II. This upgrade makes their receiving corps all the more threatening.
Dallas did very well at using those draft picks, getting their future offensive tackle in Matt Waletzko and future linebacker Devin Harper. Both players are due to make substantial impacts as starters. The deal featured both teams making clear moves to cover needs and deftly dance around the tightrope of NFL roster rules.
Bears and Commanders: A Recent Move
Most notably, just last month in October 2023, the Chicago Bears traded with the Washington Commanders to acquire edge rusher Montez Sweat. In return, the Bears got the Panthers’ 2024 second-round pick. This trade marks a clear sign of Chicago doubling down on their defense as they look to build on a more competitive season.
Sweat adds a ton of talent and depth to a Bears defense that’s lacking star power and was once one of the league’s best units. Getting him would be instrumental in turning around the team’s future in the approaching matches. The conditional second-round pick gives Chicago even more flexibility as they start a longer-term rebuilding plan.
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