Unpacking the Blockbuster Trades of 2022-23
The NFL landscape shifted dramatically during the 2022-23 seasons with a series of high-profile trades that reshaped franchises. One of the most notable was the Seattle Seahawks' decision to trade quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in March 2022. This deal, which included multiple draft picks and players like tight end Noah Fant and quarterback Drew Lock heading to Seattle, was seen as a potential game-changer for both teams. However, as time has passed, the outcomes have varied widely, prompting a deeper look into whether these trades delivered on their initial promise.
Similarly, the Cleveland Browns made headlines by acquiring Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans in a deal that cost them three first-round picks among other assets. The Browns also signed Watson to a massive five-year, $230 million contract, banking on his ability to elevate the franchise. Yet, struggles on and off the field have led to this trade being labeled by some as one of the worst in NFL history, highlighting the risks of such high-stakes moves.
Winners and Losers in Hindsight
Looking back, the Russell Wilson trade has produced mixed results. For the Seahawks, the draft capital gained allowed them to select promising talents like cornerback Devon Witherspoon and offensive tackle Charles Cross, bolstering their roster for the future. On the other hand, Wilson's tenure in Denver started rocky, though under coach Sean Payton, he has shown improvement, ranking in the top five in categories like passing touchdowns and quarterback rating during parts of the 2023 season.
The Watson trade for Cleveland stands out for its steep cost versus return. Despite high expectations, Watson's performance has not matched the investment, with inconsistent play and off-field issues clouding his impact. Meanwhile, other trades from this period, such as Tyreek Hill's move from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Miami Dolphins, have paid dividends for the receiving team, with Hill continuing to dominate as one of the league's premier wide receivers.
Another significant deal involved Aaron Rodgers moving from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets in 2023. While expectations were sky-high for Rodgers to turn around the Jets' fortunes, an early injury in his first game derailed those plans, leaving questions about the long-term value of the trade for New York. The Packers, however, used the assets gained to focus on younger talent like Jordan Love, who has shown potential as their new franchise quarterback.
Lessons Learned from High-Stakes Moves
These trades underscore the gamble inherent in blockbuster NFL deals. Teams like the Seahawks have benefited from strategic roster rebuilding using acquired draft picks, while others, like the Browns with Watson, face scrutiny over whether the cost justified the outcome. As analyst Bill Barnwell noted in his recent evaluation, 'Some deals that looked good at the time have turned sour, while others have exceeded expectations.'
The financial commitments tied to these trades also add layers of complexity. For instance, the Broncos not only traded significant assets for Wilson but also committed to a $242 million contract extension, only to cut him two years later. This pattern of high investment with uncertain returns serves as a cautionary tale for teams considering similar moves in future offseasons.