NFL's Top Biggest Trades so Far
This Just In: The NFL’s Biggest Trades So Far
Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals Trade
Houston received David Johnson, 2020 2nd round pick and 2021 4th round pick
Cardinals received DeAndre Hopkins and 2020 4th round pick
Winner: Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals pulled one of the biggest grand larceny heists of the offseason. They traded an aging running back that has a hefty contract and a few picks for a consensus top 3 WR and a 4th round selection. Murray to Hopkins is going to be the new dynamic connection in the desert. Making this trade now allows Murray to grow even more with a true number one receiver in his prime. Mix in the security blanket of Larry Fitzgerald, and you have a solid tandem for the defending OROY. Along with help for Murray, having Hopkins allows for a smooth transition when Fitzgerald retires in the near future. This will also allow the younger receivers to just play roles and learn more from two great All-Pro/ Pro Bowl players, one in his prime and the other in his twilight years. Andy Isabella, Chritian Kirk, and KeeSean Johnson should be allowed to be what their particular type of play dictates, whether it be a red zone threat, slot player or second fiddle to a number one.
Loser: Houston Texans
I honestly believe that everyone not named Bill O’Brien is wondering what is going on with the Texans. They just traded a top 3 WR for a running back that hasn’t been productive in about three years, and only got a 2nd and 4th to go along with that. I can understand that the Texans needed a running back, but to give up your second best player on offense for a guy that should have been avoided, being that there are better options on the market, is crazy. Yes, Johnson was once an All-Pro player like Hopkins, but that was in 2016. In the last three years he has been hurt, benched in favor of Kenyan Drake and seen his production drop when starting. The trade for Johnson was bad, but the worst part was the picks that were added into the package. There should have been no way that Hopkins left without the Texans getting at least one first round pick. That is just nonsense. Yet O’Brien thought that a 2nd and 4th would be a good equivalent to that. The Texans lost this deal, but the biggest loser in this outcome is Deshaun Watson, who just lost his number one target and had him replaced with a second fiddle guy like Randall Cobb. The trio of Cobb, Stills, and Fuller won’t scare most teams when they play, so it will be a long season in 2020.
San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts Trade and Extension
San Francisco 49ers received 2020 first-round pick
Indianapolis Colts received Deforest Buckner and signed him for 4 yrs/ 84 million dollars
Winners: Colts and 49ers
This trade was one that actually benefited both teams to a degree. The Colts needed another impact defender on the front line who wasn’t the aging wonder of Justin Houston. They got that in Buckner, who has been a true disruptor in the last few seasons. Buckner in the last two seasons has produced 19.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries. When you add in that the guy is only 26 and just entering the prime of his career, the Colts defense looks to have gotten a massive addition. Pairing him and Darius Leonard is a great combination. If they can add an impact edge rusher and a stud in the secondary, then this defense has the potential to be a top 5 unit with the other supporting cast around them. When it comes to the 49ers, the trade was a difficult decision that needed to happen. They didn’t have enough cap room to pay everyone this offseason massive checks and still be flexible in the future for more contracts. The 49ers defensive front has been stacked the last few years, and in 2019 had five first-round defensive lineman that rotated throughout. Unfortunately, there will be a lot of deals to come soon. This season it was Buckner and Arik Armstead’s time to get paid. Next would be Solomon Thomas, and then Nick Bosa. The 49ers had some decisions to make, and they felt that they should keep the edge pressure while trading the defensive tackles. Luckily, a few players can rotate between interior and edge duties, which can help make up for the loss of Buckner. Then when you see that the 49ers now have two top 32 selections, they can look to reload for a championship run sooner rather than later.
Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills Trade
Minnesota Vikings receive 2020 1st, 5th, 6th round pick, and 2021 4th round pick
Buffalo Bills receive Stefon Diggs and 2020 7th round pick
Winner: Vikings and Bills
These teams both won, but in very different ways in terms of this deal. First, the Vikings got some needed draft compensation to help them stock up on players, seeing as their cap space is pretty low. They were in the bottom six in terms of cap space, and needed to find ways to retain some players and still add new talent. This deal gives them two first-round picks, and additional ammo if they want to move up in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. On top of that, they give themselves another pick in 2021. Then when you consider that Diggs, after signing his extension in the 2018 offseason, wasn’t on the same page with Kirk Cousins for parts of the year it needed to happen. He openly criticized his quarterback early on in the 2019 season, which is dangerous for a team looking to make a championship run. On the flip side, the Bills have been looking for a number one option for the last two offseasons. They even tried to trade for Antonio Brown last offseason with no success. Luckily for them, they dodged that bullet and now have a receiver that not only wants to be there, but can step in to compliment the other receivers already here. The trio of Diggs, Brown, and Beasley all play different roles, and can play off each other's strengths and weaknesses to their fullest. The cost of a 1st round pick and three day-three picks over the next two years is worth it for the Bills to finally arm Josh Allen with a solid group of weapons. All in all, the deal gives both teams a bit of what they need while parting with things they can afford to lose.
All stats are according to ESPN.com. All contract information is according to Bleacher Report.com.
Writer/Interviewer