Luka Doncic's trade raises questions about the worst modern trades in NFL history are, including Deshaun Watson, Bryce Young, Patrick Mahomes

In light of the Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, it feels like a good time to revisit some of the worst modern trades that have taken place in the NFL. And trust me, there have been plenty. As the NFL prepares to head into the offseason, we'll see if any other trades […]

Jon Helmkamp
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Deshaun Watson
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In light of the Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, it feels like a good time to revisit some of the worst modern trades that have taken place in the NFL. 

And trust me, there have been plenty. 

As the NFL prepares to head into the offseason, we'll see if any other trades take place that could make this list in the years to come.

DeAndre Hopkins traded to the Arizona Cardinals

In one of his final acts as the head coach and general manager (yes, he had full roster decision authority), Bill O'Brien shockingly sent prime DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for running back David Johnson, a second-round pick, and a swap of fourth-round picks. Johnson played a total of 25 games with Houston over two seasons, amassing only 919 rushing yards in two years.

Bills trading down with Kansas City Chiefs to select Patrick Mahomes

Sometimes trades just look bad in hindsight. For the Buffalo Bills, who have been knocked out of the playoffs in four of the last five years by the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo's trade with the Chiefs that allowed them to draft Patrick Mahomes continues to stare them in the face. Yes, Buffalo has Josh Allen, and if you asked most Bills fans, they wouldn't give up Allen for the world, but giving another team the right to a quarterback that is in the conversation of the greatest to ever do it is inarguably not great. 

Panthers send a haul to Chicago Bears to draft Bryce Young

Chicago had Justin Fields and was holding the first overall pick. Everyone knew they wanted to move back, and the Carolina Panthers were willing to pay the price. They sent their 2023 first-round pick (9th overall), 2023 second-round pick, 2024 first-round pick (which ended up being the first overall pick that the Bears used on Caleb Williams), 2025 second-round pick, and wide receiver DJ Moore to Chicago. They used the first overall pick to select Bryce Young.

Young has had a tumultuous time so far in the NFL, including getting benched in his second season, although the young quarterbacks appeared to be making strides late in the season. Still, it was a massive price to pay for a quarterback that has yet to look like a difference maker.

Browns trade for Deshaun Watson

Fresh off the allegations of sexual misconduct, quarterback Deshaun Watson was looking for a new opportunity to get away from Houston, and the Browns were apparently ready to take on the PR nightmare that would be making a move for him. Cleveland sent their 2022 first and fourth-round picks, 2023 first and fourth-round picks, and 2024 first and fourth-round picks to Houston in exchange for Watson and a 2024 sixth-round pick. It was a treasure trove of picks, which have helped Houston turn the corner and return to a playoff roster that's on the up swing. 

After the trade, the Browns then also had to get a new contract done for Watson, giving him a $230 million fully guaranteed contract that included a $44.9 million signing bonus. Watson has been objectively horrible, and the Browns are not good. That was an atrocious move.  

Broncos trade for Russell Wilson

Ever since Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset after winning Super Bowl 50 in 2016, the Broncos have been desperate to find a quarterback replacement. While it looks like Bo Nix is on his way to working out, they cycled through a ton of options before drafting him that all failed to get the job done.

Trying to go the veteran route, Denver traded for Wilson and a 2022 fourth-round picks by sending a 2022 first, second, and fifth-round pick, along with a 2023 first and second-round pick, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and quarterback Drew Lock. After the trade, Denver inked Wilson to a five-year, $245 million contract. Wilson's time in Denver was inconsistent at best, failing to guide the team back to the playoffs. Denver was so ready to move on that they were willing to eat the largest cap penalty in NFL history — $85 million in dead money over the 2024 and 2025 seasons combined.

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