The largest trade-ups in NFL draft history.
Although quarterback trade-ups dominate NFL draft discussion now, clubs have made significant movements up draft boards for decades to get top talent at other positions. The gambles haven’t always paid off, and trade values have changed over time. Here are the most memorable trade-up transactions from the common draft era (1967–present).
1 of 302023: David Tepper bets big and leads Panthers to acquire Bryce Young.
2023: David Tepper bets big, propels Panthers to get Bryce Young
No team has deliberately acquired a No. 1 pick sooner than the Panthers, who received the top pick from the Bears before free agency began. The Panthers, like the 49ers in 2021, may not have agreed on which quarterback to choose at the time of the deal. Carolina gave away its 2024 first-round pick, D.J. Moore and two second-round picks for No. 1, with owner David Tepper stating that Young should be the choice. The Panthers, who have been without a quarterback since Cam Newton’s injuries began in the late 2010s, took their lumps after finishing 2-15. Tepper fired Frank Reich, who was a C.J. Stroud backed him, and the 2024 pick rose to first place. There’s nowhere to go but up.
2 of 302021: 49ers rapidly recover following Trey Lance blunder.
2021: 49ers rapidly recover from Trey Lance error.
Attempting to unlock aspects Jimmy Garoppolo was considered incapable of offering, the 49ers traded two future first-round picks and a third to move from No. 12 to No. 3 via the Dolphins. Alabama’s Mac Jones was the initial rumored target, with Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson slated to go 1-2, but the team eventually settled on Lance. The North Dakota State prospect only played one year of college, dominating as a redshirt freshman, because COVID-19 canceled the Division I-FCS 2020 season. Lance has been a massive disappointment, earning only four starts in three seasons with San Francisco. Brock Purdy has helped the 49ers recover, but trading Lance to the Cowboys for a fourth-round choice sealed a disastrous personnel situation.
3 of 302020: Packers put an end to Aaron Rodgers era
2020: Packers put an end to Aaron Rodgers era
During the virtual draft, Green Bay merely lost an additional fourth-round pick by moving from No. 30 to No. 26 (via Miami), but the consequences are still being felt. The Packers once defied roster-building conventions by resting Rodgers for three years, but that was after they acquired a declining Rodgers in 2005. The Packers’ decision to trade up for Jordan Love, Division I-FBS’s INT leader in 2019, without first alerting Rodgers sparked a fury. Rodgers’ conflict with GM Brian Gutekunst lasted throughout 2021, and the Love selection deprives Super Bowl-caliber rosters of early-2020s talent. However, Love’s early promise, as well as Rodgers’ decision to follow in Brett Favre’s footsteps and join the Jets, could lead Gutekunst to victory after years of criticism.
4/30/2018: Ravens strike gold with Joe Flacco’s successor
2018: Ravens hit gold with Joe Flacco replacement
Despite winning the 2016 Heisman Trophy, teams were concerned about Jackson’s ability as a pure passer. This resulted in 21 non-QBs falling off the board between the Cardinals’ Josh Rosen pick (No. 10) and the Eagles’ slot at No. 32. The Ravens had already selected tight end Hayden Hurst in Round 1, but in his final round as GM, Ozzie Newsome struck a deal to develop an intriguing quarterback behind Flacco. Baltimore traded a 2018 fourth-round pick and a 2019 second-round pick to Philadelphia, moving up from 52nd overall. The Ravens, who had missed the playoffs from 2015 to 2017, quickly revamped their playbook for Jackson and changed their course by taking a risk on the Louisville dual threat.
5 of 302018: Bills complete two trades for Josh Allen.
2018: Bills complete two trades for Josh Allen.
Back in the playoffs in the first year of the Sean McDermott-Brandon Beane regime, the Bills devised a strategy to stabilize a quarterback situation that had been in flux since Jim Kelly’s retirement in 1997. In Beane’s first draft as general manager, the Bills traded up from No. 21 to No. 12 (via the Bengals, who received left tackle Cordy Glenn) before moving to No. 7 (via the Buccaneers) by sending two second-round picks to Tampa Bay. The end result is access to Allen, who has gone from a tool-heavy prospect to a superstar. Allen’s improved precision and whatever-it-takes scrambling tactics. elevated the Bills from mediocrity to perennial Super Bowl contenders.
6/30/2017: Chiefs find Alex Smith upgrade, change franchise arc
2017: Chiefs find Alex Smith upgrade, changing franchise arc
The Steelers entered Arrowhead Stadium and won a divisional round game without scoring a touchdown. Three months later, the Chiefs abandoned the low ceiling of the Alex Smith era for a chance at fresh terrain. Before the Bills became a Chiefs competitor under Brandon Beane and Brett Veach, their predecessors, Doug Whaley and John Dorsey, agreed on a game-changing transaction. Kansas City traded a third-round pick and their 2018 first-round pick to jump from 27th to 10th place. McDermott and other AFC coaches have been dealing with the fallout from Patrick Mahomes’ explosive 2018 debut, which saw the Chiefs triple their Super Bowl total during the Texas Tech alum’s 20s.
7 of 302016: Eagles trade-up yields unusual result
2016: Eagles trade-up yields odd results
Shortly after Chip Kelly’s departure, which restored Howie Roseman’s personnel power, the Eagles went into the future drafts to add a promising quarterback prospect. Less than a week after the Rams selected Jared Goff with the first overall pick, the Eagles traded up from eighth to second for Carson Wentz. Philadelphia traded three draft picks to Cleveland, including its 2017 first and 2018 second-round picks, for a passer who impressed during the pre-draft process but came from Division I-FCS North Dakota State. The Eagles appeared to start well, with Wentz as the MVP favorite in December 2017. His decline following a December 2017 ACL tear altered Philly’s plans for 2020.
8 of 302016: The Rams make an impact in their return to Los Angeles.
2016: The Rams make a splash with their return to Los Angeles.
The Rams made a first-round pick in 2016, which contradicted Les Snead’s approach in subsequent years. To accomplish this, they traded up 14 positions. The team jumped from No. 15 to No. 1 (via the Titans) to sign Cal’s Jared Goff. The Rams had to spend a first-round pick, two seconds, and two thirds to get to number one, and Goff had a terrible rookie season after taking over for Case Keenum. The Rams’ 2017 hiring of Sean McVay altered Goff’s trajectory, and it prompted a slew of splashy Rams moves (the “Eff them picks” era). Goff led the Rams to Super Bowl LIII, but McVay’s turn against him in the Matthew Stafford trade proved to be a win-win situation.
9 of 302012: Star-studded Washington staff cannot make RG3 work
2012: Star-studded Washington staff fails to make RG3 work
Mike Shanahan’s first two seasons in Washington were marked by a series of quarterback changes. From 2010 to 2011, the team’s primary starters were a fading Donovan McNabb and former Bears flop Rex Grossman. This predicament caused Washington to overpay to go from sixth to second place. To move up for the draft’s top non-Andrew Luck quarterback prospect, the Rams offered Washington two future first-round picks and a 2012 second round pick. Robert Griffin III shined as a rookie, but an ACL tear and passing troubles wrecked his future. Despite having McVay, Kyle Shanahan, and Mike McDaniel on staff, Washington couldn’t keep RG3 on track. In the fourth round of 2012, the team did well by selecting Kirk Cousins to backstop him.
10 of 302011: Falcons destroy Browns with Julio Jones strike.
2011: Falcons destroy Browns with Julio Jones strike.
The 2011 draft, which took place during a lockout, restricted Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff from incorporating current players in his deal with the Browns. Despite this, the Falcons advanced from 26th to 6th place. In this quarterback-style trade, Atlanta surrendered Cleveland its 2012 first-round pick and three other picks, including its 2011 second-rounder, to get Jones. Jones stood out in one of the most memorable NFL drafts in history. Jones, who received three consecutive first-team All-Pro nods in the 2010s, has the strongest claim to be the greatest Falcons player in history. The Browns failed their end of the trade, obtaining no long-term starters with the extra picks, despite receiving QB Brandon Weeden in the package.
11/30/2010: Busy Broncos night culminates with Tim Tebow
2010: Busy Broncos night concludes with Tim Tebow
In the larger scheme of things, the Broncos’ decision to trade up for Tebow is not a franchise-changing move. Peyton Manning saw to it. However, it is tough to overestimate Tebow’s star status at Florida and in the NFL. The faulty southpaw became Josh McDaniels’ pet project. The Broncos moved down twice in the first round before trading up for Demaryius Thomas. At No. 25, however, McDaniels, who had de facto GM power after Mike Shanahan’s departure, pulled the trigger on Tebow, pushing the Ravens’ second-, third-, and fourth-round picks up 17 positions. This wild swing resulted in a spectacular 2011 season following McDaniels’ dismissal, but Tebow’s mechanics failed to improve. Manning’s signing in 2012 before Tebow’s trade to the Jets.
12 of 302001: Contract talks result in Chargers passing on Michael Vick.
2001: Contract talks lead to the Chargers passing on Michael Vick.
Prior to the 2011 CBA’s introduction of the rookie salary scale, elite prospects had some wiggle room. This contributed to the Chargers, who owned the first pick, bailing on Vick. After the Bolts requested contractual precautions to avoid a Ryan Leaf rematch, Vick’s camp objected. Soon after, the Bolts traded the pick to the Falcons. The Falcons only sent the Chargers a 2001 third-round pick, a 2002 second-round pick, and returner/receiver Tim Dwight. However, San Diego’s slide resulted in LaDainian Tomlinson being selected fifth overall. Drew Brees was the team’s second-round quarterback pick. Vick was electrifying with the Falcons, but the infamous dogfighting controversy ended his six-year stay in Atlanta.
13 out of 301999: Mike Ditka stops at nothing to add Ricky Williams.
1999: Mike Ditka will stop at nothing to add Ricky Williams.
A amusing tidbit in the New Orleans-Washington trade: the Bengals declined the Saints’ mega-proposal. Sitting at No. 3, a Cincinnati team known for being stubborn turned down Ditka’s outrageous offer to sign quarterback Akili Smith. After the Colts astonished everyone by selecting Edgerrin James over the 1998 Heisman winner, Washington agreed. The Saints traded Washington their entire 1999 draft class, as well as first- and third-round 2000 picks, for No. 5. Washington then went from No. 12 to No. 7 to select Champ Bailey. Ditka was fired following the 1999 season, and the Saints moved Williams to the Dolphins in 2002. Washington’s 2000 first-round pick was ranked second overall after the Saints finished 3-13 in 1999.
14 of 301998: Colts’ decision results in crushing Chargers
1998: Colts’ choice ends up devastating the Chargers.
Peyton Manning vs. Ryan Leaf qualified as a debate heading into this draft. If the Colts had gone the other way, they would have suffered the same fate as the Blazers or Bears. Six weeks before this important event, the Cardinals offered the Bolts a reward to move up one position. Only moving up from No. 3 to No. 2, San Diego handed Arizona its second-round pick, its 1999 first, and All-Pro returner Eric Metcalf. The Cardinals did not dominate the draft (Andre Wadsworth, David Boston), but the Chargers quickly realized the difference between Manning and Leaf. Leaf, who replaced Jim Harbaugh as the Bolts’ starter, lasted only four seasons and is regarded as one of the most iconic modern quarterback busts, along with JaMarcus Russell.
15 of 301997: Peyton Manning’s choice sparks Jets-Rams swap
1997: Peyton Manning’s choice sparks Jets-Rams trade
The NFL world did not see a Manning-Bill Parcells collaboration come to fruition, with the future Colts draftee declining to leave Tennessee following his junior season. In what had become a weak quarterback draft, the Jets, who already had two high-priced linemen on their roster (Jumbo Elliott, David Williams), traded out of the first round. The Rams increased their lead from 6 to 1 over Orlando Pace. New St. Louis HC Dıck Vermeil saw Pace’s Ohio State effort from the ABC booth. Holding personnel power, the returning NFL leader traded third-, fourth-, and seventh-round picks to advance for a guy who spent 12 years as the Rams’ left tackle before being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
16 of 301995: 49ers’ J.J. Stokes transfer prompts AFC Central to ripple.
1995: 49ers’ J.J. Stokes transfer prompts AFC Central to ripple.
After nearly a decade of great WR2 work from John Taylor, the 49ers opted to go after another high-end Jerry Rice sidekick. Following their Super Bowl XXIX victory, San Francisco jumped from No. 30 to No. 10 for Stokes. The Browns’ haul did not exactly help them. Bill Belichick’s club dropped 20 spots after acquiring 1995 third and fourth-round picks, as well as a 1996 first. When it came time to make an additional first-round pick, the team that had planned to do so no longer existed. The Browns’ move ended up giving the Ravens, who fired Belichick, the No. 26 overall pick. Ray Lewis was chosen by the Ravens just weeks after they rebranded themselves. That wrinkle obscured Stokes’ run with the 49ers, which was eclipsed by Terrell Owens.
17 of 301993: Saints trade Defensive Player of the Year for Hall of Famer.
1993: Saints trade Defensive Player of the Year for Hall of Famer.
In 1992, the Saints agreed to match the Lions’ three-year, $5.4 million offer sheet for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Swilling. Detroit had used a no-trade clause as a poison pill, but New Orleans still matched it. A year later, however, the Lions offered first and fourth-round picks in exchange for the contract they created. The Saints accepted, but the Lions had to pay Swilling an additional $1.4 million to waive his no-trade clause. The Saints received the No. 8 pick after breaking up its Dome Patrol LB corps, which they used to draft future Hall of Fame left tackle Willie Roaf. Swilling left Detroit in 1995, while Roaf stayed for 13 years (nine with the Saints).
18 of 301990: The Colts are 1-for-2 in Jeff George transactions.
1990: Colts go 1-for-2 on Jeff George transactions.
In 1990, the Colts were trading quarterbacks. Their initial deal brought a high-profile prospect to town, but the Falcons snatched Pro Bowlers and draft money from the AFC East team. The Colts did not own a first-round pick heading into the weekend, having traded it to the Seahawks in 1988. As a result, they traded Falcons Pro Bowl lineman Chris Hinton, future Pro Bowl wide receiver Andre Rison, a fourth-round pick, and their 1991 first-round pick for George. Three months later, the Colts acquired the 1992 No. 2 pick from the Buccaneers by dealing Chris Chandler. George failed in Indianapolis, but in an odd twist, the Colts received the Marvin Harrison pick slot when they traded George to the Falcons in 1994.
19 of 301985: 49ers’ scouting coup changes the record book
1985: 49ers’ scouting coup alters the record book.
Between January and April 1985, the 49ers defeated the 14-2 Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX, completing their quest to sign a wide receiver from Division I-AA Mississippi Valley State. After a more challenging scouting effort due to limited film availability at the I-AA level, the 49ers selected wide receivers Eddie Brown and Al Toon at Nos. 10 and 13, respectively. They found a taker in the Patriots, trading their second- and third-round picks for No. 16. The 49ers also received the Patriots’ third-round pick in this trade. As a result, Jerry Rice becomes a part of an ongoing dynasty. Rice gapped the field to become the best wide receiver in NFL history, appearing on ten All-Pro teams while with the 49ers.
20 of 301984: Steve Young’s USFL journey leads to Bengals turnaround.
1984: Steve Young’s USFL adventure leads to Bengals turnaround.
The top choice from 1984 was passed twice. A 1983 transaction that sent Buccaneers QB Jack Thompson to the Bengals resulted in the top pick, but with the USFL attempting to compete, Cincinnati quickly saw the upstart league sign top talents Young and running back Mike Rozier. The Los Angeles Express’ record-setting Young offer outperformed the Bengals’ five-year, $3.5 million bid, prompting the AFC Central team to trade the first pick to the Patriots. To move up for Nebraska wideout Irving Fryar, New England traded two first-round picks (Nos. 16 and 28), as well as fifth- and tenth-round picks. The former wishbone wideout had 17 NFL seasons, the first nine in New England.
21 of 301982: A two-year streak of Colts quarterback draft mistakes begins
1982: A two-year streak of Colts quarterback draft mistakes begins.
After nine seasons, the Colts dissolved their strained relationship with Bert Jones. The former MVP had a falling out with contentious owner Bob Irsay and has become more prone to injuries. The Rams sent the Colts the No. 2 overall pick and a second-round pick in exchange for the strong-armed quarterback. While the Colts turned the second-round pick into 13-year punter Rohn Stark, the quarterback they chose to replace Jones, Ohio State’s Art Schlichter, proved to be an all-time disaster. After an 0-8-1 season, the Colts’ quarterback was suspended indefinitely for gambling. Schlichter, who retired in 1985, came before the team drafted and traded for John Elway the following year.
22 of 30,1980: Jets’ misfire on Lam Jones proves expensive.
1980: The Jets’ misfire on Lam Jones proves expensive.
Jones was a track and field prodigy who not only competed at the 1976 U.S. At the age of 18, he made the Olympic team and was a member of the world-record 4×100-meter relay team. This all happened before Jones’ football career at Texas. Jones, a world-class speedster who ran a wishbone offense, drew a lot of attention in 1980. The Jets traded Nos. 13 and 20 to the 49ers for No. 2, selecting Jones while Anthony Munoz was still available. Then-Jets head coach Walt Michaels has stated that team doctors’ concerns about Munoz’s knee injury precluded a trade for the future Hall of Fame LT, but Jones’ failure to adjust to the pro game will be remembered as a big error for the Jets given the selection position.
23 of 301978: Buccaneers give Oilers’ Earl Campbell real estate
1978: The Buccaneers gift Oilers Earl Campbell real estate.
After selecting Ricky Bell first overall in 1977, the Buccaneers did not require a running back. However, their deal for a better running back fell short of expectations. The Oilers traded up from No. 17 to No. 1 to acquire Campbell, the 1978 Heisman Trophy winner from Texas, without giving up a future first-round pick. It cost Houston second-, third-, and fifth-round draft picks to move up 16 positions. The Oilers also traded Jimmie Giles, a third-round tight end from 1977. The Bucs did see Giles become a Pro Bowler and sign Doug Williams at 17, but Campbell was an immediate All-Pro who won MVP honors in 1979. En route to Canton, Campbell led the Oilers to two AFC title games to end the 1970s.
24 of 301977: Cowboys add missing piece to Tony Dorsett
1977: Cowboys provide missing component to Tony Dorsett.
The Cowboys, who considered their backfield to be somewhat restricted, delivered an era-defining jolt. Dallas, which had gained two extra second-round picks through deals in 1975 and 1976, was interested in the reigning Heisman winner. The Bucs selected Bell, while the Cowboys traded No. 14 and all three of their second-round picks to the Seahawks, who were in their second draft as a team. Dorsett had an immediate impact for Dallas, which built a Super Bowl-winning roster in 1977. Had the 1982 strike not occurred, the quick Hall of Fame-bound talent would almost certainly have ripped off nine consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. The Seahawks did not appear in the playoffs until 1983.
25 of 301975: Falcons discover a quarterback solution in Steve Bartkowski.
1975: Steve Bartkowski emerges as the Falcons’ quarterback.
During the first 34 years of the common draft era, only two quarterbacks were traded up to No. 1. Both events involved the Colts and Falcons. 15 years before Jeff George, Bartkowski was the prize. Bert Jones, the Colts’ young quarterback, was on the verge of winning the MVP award. They utilized the first overall pick this year to bolster his offensive line. Baltimore traded for former No. 2 overall draftee George Kunz, who was entering his 28th season, from Atlanta, dropping from No. 1 to No. 3. Bartkowski was the Falcons’ starting quarterback for 11 seasons and made two Pro Bowl appearances. Kunz was named to three more Pro Bowls while with the Colts, where he spent six seasons with Baltimore’s third-round pick (guard Ken Huff).
26 of 301974: Cowboys start run of deals into top two.
1974: Cowboys begin a streak of trades into the top two
Between the 1974 and 1977 rounds, the Cowboys received a No. 1 pick and two No. 2 overall picks. Dallas transformed them into three cornerstones. Before Randy White and Tony Dorsett arrived, Ed “Too Tall” Jones was Dallas’ goal. The Cowboys’ scouting machine focused on an HBCU defensive end, and the Oilers did not charge them any picks. Despite finishing 1-13 in 1973, Houston recruited veterans. Dallas sent over Billy Parks, a part-time wideout, and Tody Smith, a young defensive end. Both players were out of the NFL by 1977. Jones played 15 seasons and established himself as one of the best sack artists of his time. Dallas’ other pick in the exchange, a third-rounder, became Roger Staubach’s QB successor, Danny White.
27 of 30 1973: Colts go higher, startled by the award.
1973: Colts go ahead, astonished by the award.
During its early years, the Saints engaged in some unusual transactions. This one would defy current draft value charts. New Orleans traded the No. 2 overall pick for a fourth-year defensive end without a Pro Bowl appearance (Billy Newsome) and a fourth-round pick. The Saints did not receive the Colts’ first-round pick in the trade; Newsome was the centerpiece. The Colts also expected the Oilers, who had the number one pick, to draft Bert Jones. They instead chose D-lineman John Matuszak, a future Raider and “The Goonies” contributor. Jones led the Colts’ post-Johnny Unitas resurgence in the mid-1970s, earning MVP honors in 1976. The Saints traded Newsome after two seasons.
28 of 301970: Browns provide Dolphins with WR legend.
1970: Browns equip Dolphins with WR legend.
While Bartkowski was the first quarterback selected in a frequent draft-era trade-up, the Browns made a similar maneuver five years ago. Their decision may have sparked a Dolphins dynasty. This draft opened with the Steelers selecting Terry Bradshaw. The Browns had the No. 21 overall pick, but they included a more appealing component in a deal to move up to No. 3. In exchange for the right to choose Purdue quarterback Mike Phipps, Cleveland traded Miami Paul Warfield. The All-Century WR (and Cleveland native) provided the Dolphins with an exceptional pass catcher to begin Don Shula’s career. Art Modell had only considered Phipps as Bill Nelson injury insurance at the moment. Phipps was a four-season starter in Cleveland.
29 of 30 1967: 49ers and Falcons execute odd trade.
1967: 49ers and Falcons finalize bizarre trade.
Prospects entering drafts early in the 1960s may face bidding wars between NFL and AFL teams, but by 1967, the common draft period had begun. Thus, Steve Spurrier had no negotiating power when the 49ers traded up (via the Falcons) to No. 3 to make him a backup for what turned out to be many seasons. The Heisman champion led off the quarterbacks in the 1967 draft, with the 49ers sending three veterans to the Falcons (wide out Bernie Casey and two reserve O-linemen, Jim Norton and Jim Wilson). This was an odd exchange all around. That year, the Falcons moved Casey, a rising star actor, to the Rams; he made the Pro Bowl in Los Angeles. Wilson and Norton were finished by 1968. Spurrier played ten years but backed up John Brodie for five.
30 of 301967: Colts fleece Saints for Bubba Smith.
1967: The Colts acquire Bubba Smith from the Saints
Midway through Don Shula’s tenure as head coach, the Colts took advantage of an expansion team. The Saints’ first draft began late, with the franchise trading the No. 1 overall pick to Indianapolis in a transaction led by former Johnny Unitas backup Gary Cuozzo. A previous undrafted quarterback, a 17th-round pick, and a second-year player who never played for the Saints were part of the package that included not only the first pick, but also promising young center Bill Curry and a third-round selection. In 1968, New Orleans received a large sum from Minnesota in exchange for Cuozzo, but this value mismatch provided the Colts with an impact pass rusher (Smith) and a potential Pro Bowl center. Both received Super Bowl rings by 1971.
