The Denver Broncos made headlines two years ago when they announced a tentative deal to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks. However, just days before the two-year anniversary of the trade, the Broncos decided to pull the plug on the experiment, leaving many to question whether it was the worst trade in NFL history.
To secure Wilson, the Broncos had to give up a hefty package. They traded away two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, tight end Noah Fant, quarterback Drew Lock, and defensive end Shelby Harris. In return, they received a 2022 fourth-round pick that ultimately became defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike, who is currently suspended for violating the NFL gambling policy. Meanwhile, Seattle used the two first-round selections they acquired to land tackle Charles Cross and cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
What made the trade even more questionable was the fact that the Broncos decided to pay Wilson before they had to. Despite having two years left on his existing deal, they gave him a new contract worth $124 million, fully guaranteed at signing. This decision added to the overall cost of the trade and raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
However, as bad as the Wilson trade may seem, there is another deal that could potentially surpass it in terms of its negative impact. The Cleveland Browns traded for quarterback Deshaun Watson, surrendering three first-round picks, a 2022 fourth-round pick, a 2023 third-round pick, and a 2024 fourth-rounder. In addition, they signed Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract with every penny guaranteed. If Watson fails to perform at a high level starting in 2024, this trade could end up being worse than the Wilson trade, as there is no escape hatch for the Browns.
Both trades have proven to be disastrous for their respective franchises. They sacrificed multiple low-cost and potentially high-talent young players in exchange for a high-risk move that has not paid off. The Broncos, however, deserve credit for acknowledging their mistake and taking swift action. They have admitted their blunder, ripped off the Band-Aid, and are now focused on moving forward.
While the Wilson trade will go down as a failed experiment, it serves as a reminder of the risks involved in making blockbuster trades in the NFL. Teams must carefully consider the long-term implications and weigh the potential rewards against the costs. In this case, the Broncos paid a steep price for a quarterback who ultimately did not deliver the expected results. As they regroup and look to the future, they will undoubtedly approach future trades with caution, hoping to avoid another costly mistake.