Top 5 Worst Trades in NFL History

As in other sports, trades in the NFL always include risks for both sides involved, and if they go awry, they frequently have negative effects.

Among the most painful deals involve giving up players who later go on to become stars and adding insult to injury by selecting individuals who don't work out.

Football supporters frequently reflect on what might have been when their beloved teams made awful, puzzling transactions. The top five worst transactions in league history are shown below:

#5 – NFL, Oakland Raiders Trade for Antonio Brown

Antonio Brown of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on against the New York Jets

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Antonio Brown in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. The Steelers received the All-Pro wideout in exchange for a third- and fifth-round selection from the Oakland Raiders in 2019. Things didn't work out well, as Brown had disagreements with the organization's leadership and coaching before the regular season started. He was ultimately dismissed without appearing in a competitive match for the Raiders.

#4 – NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade away Steve Young

SAN FRANCISCO QUARTERBACK STEVE YOUNG ANSWERS QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA

Throughout his two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Steve Young tossed 11 touchdown passes and 21 interceptions, finishing 3-16 as a starter. Following those two seasons, the Buccaneers decided to give up on Young and allowed him to go with the San Francisco 49ers for the pitiful sum of fourth-round and sixth-round selections.

Young had to endure a little time as a backup for Joe Montana, but once he got his chance with the "Niners", he developed into a superstar who won two Super Bowls as a starter.

#3 - NFL, San Diego Chargers went out of their way to draft Ryan Leaf

Second-overall pick Ryan Leaf shows off his jersey after being selected by the San Diego Chargers

In the 1998 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers were in dire need of a quarterback. They originally held the third pick in a draft that included two highly regarded quarterback talents, Ryan Leaf and Peyton Manning. The Chargers dealt three draft places and two players to the Arizona Cardinals to advance one spot in the draft and ensure they could get either Leaf or Peyton Manning.

The decision ultimately backfired because Ryan Leaf was one of the biggest selection failures in history. His career stats were only 4-17, with 14 TDs and 36 interceptions.

#2 - NFL, The Baltimore Colts trade John Elway to the Denver Broncos

President of football operations John Elway of the Denver Broncos looks on during pre-game

John Elway made it obvious that he had no desire to serve as the Baltimore Colts' quarterback. Nevertheless, they still chose him as their first choice in the 1983 draft. The Colts would soon find out that Elway was serious when he said he was unwilling to play for them. Ultimately, Baltimore was compelled to trade him to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Mark Herrmann, Chris Hinton, and a first-round choice.

Elway played for the Broncos during his 16-year tenure, helping them win consecutive Super Bowl championships in 1997 and 1998. In 2015/2016, he served as the team's general manager, helping to assemble another Super Bowl-winning squad.

#1 - The Herschel Walker Trade

Running back Herschel Walker of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball during a game

Following a 1-15 season, the Dallas Cowboys traded renowned Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for eight draft selections and four players.

Walker's two years with the Vikings, who didn't make the postseason in 1990 and 1991, did not see him surpass 1,000 running yards as the Cowboys established their 1990s powerhouse. Minnesota's draft picks to Dallas included legends like Darren Woodson and Emmitt Smith.