John Elway
Re-Drafting Every NFL Team’s BEST QB Ever (But They Can Only Pick One)
If every NFL team could go back in time and only use one draft pick to select a quarterback in their history? Who would it be? Some are obvious, but others are up for a fun debate. With that, let’s dive into a hypothetical re-draft of every NFL team’s best QB ever — with the rule being that they can only take ONE. Which QB will each NFL team choose if they have a chance for a re-draft? Arizona Cardinals: Kurt WarnerNov. 6, 2005; Tempe, AZ, USA; Quarterback (13) Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals against the Seattle Seahawks at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2005 Mark J. Rebilas Warner spent the final four seasons of his career with Arizona, but he was only their undisputed starter for the last two. What did the two-time MVP and Super Bowl 34 champion do in those two years? Oh, you know, throw for 56 touchdowns, lead Arizona to two NFC West division crowns, four playoff wins, and a trip to Super Bowl 43. Warner tried out for the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994. It wasn’t until a successful career in the Arena Football League that NFL teams took notice. In this “what-if” exercise, Arizona wastes no time drafting Warner in 1994. Atlanta Falcons: Matt RyanAugust 16, 2008; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine USA TODAY Sports No change here. The Falcons used the No. 3 pick of the 2008 NFL Draft on ‘Matty Ice’ and never looked back. He holds every franchise passing record, took them to the playoffs six times, won 2016 MVP honors, and nearly guided the club to its only Super Bowl championship. Of course, there’s that whole 28-3 thing. But it doesn’t take away from the remarkable 15 years he provided Falcons fans. Baltimore Ravens: Lamar JacksonDec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images Yes, Trent Dilfer and Joe Flacco led the Ravens to Super Bowl championships. But let’s be clear, they were surrounded by legendary defenses. Jackson is far and away the most talented QB this NFL team has ever had, even if rumors about a split-up persist. Baltimore actually had to trade up to snag Jackson 32nd overall in 2018. In a do-over, they would use the No. 25 pick — used on South Carolina tight end Hayden Hurst — to take Jackson. Buffalo Bills: Josh AllenJosh Allen (Image Credits: Imagn) With all due respect to Jim Kelly, Allen is easily the most skilled and well-rounded QB the Bills have ever had. We know, Allen hasn’t taken Buffalo to a single Super Bowl yet, let alone four like Mr. Kelly. But Allen has never played on the star-studded teams that Kelly enjoyed in the ‘90s. And just remember how gloomy things were for this franchise before Allen was drafted seventh overall in 2018. Carolina Panthers: Cam NewtonCarolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton yells “I’m back!” after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in a game in 2021. Easy call here. Newton was considered the ultimate “boom-or-bust” QB prospect entering the 2011 NFL Draft. Carolina took a chance on “Super Cam” and took him first overall in what turned out to be one of the greatest classes in league history. The 2015 league MVP dazzled with his electrifying dual-threat game. He led Carolina to four playoff appearances, including a trip to Super Bowl 50. If injuries didn’t derail him over his final three seasons as a Panther, Newton would have a strong case for the Hall of Fame. Chicago Bears: Sid Luckman If the Bears didn’t draft Luckman second overall in 1939, there’s no telling how bad the franchise’s history would look. But alas, the great George Halas hit the jackpot on this pick. And the rest is history. Luckman led the Bears to four NFL Championships in the 1940s. The 1943 NFL MVP also worked as their vice president and QBs coach after his playing career, making his legacy all the more celebrated in Windy City. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe BurrowJoe Burrow (Photo Via Imagn Images) Ken Anderson, Andy Dalton, and Boomer Esiason all played far more games than Burrow has in a Bengals uniform. But he’s unquestionably the best QB this NFL franchise has ever had. If not for injuries and a competent front office, Burrow would maybe have a ring or two by now. It remains to be seen if he’ll get them to the promised land. But for now, Cincy can’t have a single regret about taking him first overall in 2020. Cleveland Browns: Otto GrahamUnknown date & Location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Browns quarterback Otto Graham (60) in a portrait session. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports Like the Bears, the undisputed GOAT of Browns QBs played more than a half-century ago. Graham spent his entire 10-year career with the Browns, spanning from 1946 to 1955. The No. 4 pick of 1944 won three MVP awards and led this otherwise sad franchise to NFL championships in 1950, ‘54, and ‘55. Dallas Cowboys: Roger StaubachJan 18, 1976; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle (64) Steve Furness chases Dallas Cowboys quarterback (12) Roger Staubach during Super Bowl X at the Orange Bowl. The Steelers defeated the Cowboys 21-17 to earn their 2nd consecutive Super Bowl title. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports © Copyright Malcolm Emmons Sorry to Troy Aikman, but Staubach is easily the greatest Cowboy to ever line up behind center. Aikman was great, yes, but a lot of QBs could have won three Super Bowls with his supporting cast. Staubach is the QB who put the Cowboys on the football map in the first place. Joining forces with legendary coach Tom Landry, Staubach — not drafted until the 10th round at 129 overall in 1964 — led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl triumphs in the ‘70s. Unlike Aikman, Staubach was also named to an All-Decades team and the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. Denver Broncos: John ElwayJohn Elway warms up before the Super Bowl against the Atlanta Falcons in Miami on Jan. 31, 1999. Elway was drafted first overall by the Baltimore Colts in 1983. He refused to play for them and was traded to the Broncos. The nine-time Pro Bowler would lead Denver to five AFC titles and two Super Bowl titles in his career. The Colts couldn’t do much. Elway didn’t wanna play there. So in our hypothetical exercise, let’s say the Colts use the No. 1 pick on either Dan Marino or Jim Kelly, allowing Denver to select Elway with the No. 4 pick. Everyone would be happy in this do-over. Detroit Lions: Bobby LayneNov 25, 1962; Cleveland, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback (22) Bobby Layne in action against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns defeated the Steelers 35-14. Mandatory Credit: David Boss-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss After short stints with the Bears and New York Bulldogs, Layne joined the Lions franchise in 1950. Layne led the Lions to NFL championships in 1950, ‘53, and ‘57. As Detroit fans know all too well, the franchise hasn’t been the same since it traded the Hall of Famer to the Steelers in 1958. Detroit hasn’t been to an NFL championship game since trading Layne – another clear-cut indicator that he’s the best QB they’ve ever had. Green Bay Packers: Bart StarrNov 29,1962; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback #15 Bart Starr throws a pass during the Detroit Lions 26-14 win against the Packers at Tiger Stadium. Starr won the NFL most valuable player award in 1966, won the MVP of Super Bowl I and II and only lost one playoff game during his 16-year Hall of Fame career. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports It’s the great debate: Starr, Brett Favre, or Aaron Rodgers? We have to go with Starr, because he’s the one who put this franchise on the map with Vince Lombardi. I mean, he’s a five-time NFL champion who led the Packers to victories in Super Bowls 1 and 2. He laid out the Packers’ winning culture. Take Favre and Rodgers away, and the legacy of Starr still lives on. By the way, hard to believe Starr wasn’t drafted until the 17th round at 200 overall in 1956, huh? Houston Texans: C.J. StroudSep 21, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) reacts after an interception in the 4th quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images As the NFL’s youngest franchise, the Texans haven’t been blessed with a whole lot of quality QB play. Matt Schaub and Deshaun Watson didn’t last long in Houston, whereas Stroud has quickly helped the Texans re-emerge as a contender in the AFC. We’re still waiting for him to regain that MVP-like form we saw in his 2023 rookie year. At the very least, he’s efficient enough as a game manager on a team that leans on its lights-out defense to win. Indianapolis Colts: Peyton ManningDec 26, 2010; Oakland, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) gestures during the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Colts defeated the Raiders 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports Not a single regret for the Colts here. They took Manning first overall in 1998 and never looked back. “The Sheriff” turned them into an NFL powerhouse in the 2000s, leading them to 11 playoff appearances, two AFC Championship wins, and a Super Bowl 41 victory. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs on the field before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Texans 17-10. You can easily argue that Mark Brunell is the best Jags’ QB ever. But he was drafted by the Packers in 1993. The Jaguars didn’t enter the league until 1995, so they couldn’t have drafted him. Lawrence has brought mixed results since going first overall in 2021. But three winning seasons and two playoff appearances in five years are nothing to laugh at, considering how horrible the Jags have been in the 21st century. Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick MahomesKansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) The Chiefs got heat for trading up to take Mahomes 10th overall in 2017 when they already had Alex Smith. Not sure about you, but we don’t think Mahomes has been too shabby with three rings and two MVP awards, with likely more to follow after his injury. Las Vegas Raiders: Ken StablerDec 4, 1977; Los Angeles, CA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler (12) in action against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Long Photography-USA TODAY Sports John Madden coached plenty of Hall of Famers in Oakland, but Stabler proved to be the final piece needed to get Al Davis’ group over the top. The No. 52 pick of 1968 spent his first 10 NFL seasons with the Raiders. The four-time Pro Bowler won MVP honors in 1974, leading the Raiders to a Super Bowl 11 championship triumph. This was their first of three Super Bowls over an eight-year period. Los Angeles Chargers: Dan FoutsSAN DIEGO – NOVEMBER 29: Quarterback Dan Fouts #14 of the San Diego Chargers looks to pass during a game against the Denver Broncos at Jack Murphy Stadium on November 29, 1987 in San Diego, California. Fouts completed 23 out of 48 passes for 322 yards and 2 interceptions. The Broncos won 31-17. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) Take your pick between Fouts and Philip Rivers. But Rivers never earned an All-Pro nod. Fouts was a two-time first-team and two-time second-team all-pro. Rivers led the NFL in passing yards once as the lead QB. Fouts did it four times. So yes, it’s hard to go against the No. 63 pick of 1973. The Bolts were a mostly irrelevant franchise before he arrived. Fouts took them to the playoffs four times in his Hall of Fame career — and Rivers may never go to Canton. Los Angeles Rams: Kurt WarnerSep 23, 2001; San Francisco, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner (13) and offensive linemen Adam Timmerman (62), Andy McCollum (67) and Tom Nutten (61) at the line of scrimmage against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK The Rams have had many great QBS in their history, but Warner was the most talented of them all. He was a tremendous late-bloomer success story. But…imagine if the Rams drafted him back in 1994 instead of waiting until ‘98 to give him a chance? Hey, you know how star-studded those Rams teams were. Warner could have easily won multiple rings if he had come aboard much earlier. Miami Dolphins: Dan MarinoNov 13, 1983; Foxboro, MA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino (13) in action against the New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports Yes, Bob Griese led the Dolphins to two Super Bowl championships. But we can’t act like he was a better QB than Marino. Miami drafted ‘Dan the Man’ 27th overall in 1983, a legendary QB class that also included Jim Kelly and John Elway. If Marino had more luck in the postseason, he’d be in the conversation for QB GOATS. Rings aside, he’s a top-five most talented QB in NFL history. Just ask those who watched him sling it. Minnesota Vikings: Fran TarkentonOct 3, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings quarterback (10) Fran Tarkenton sets to throw a pass as Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle (75) Deacon Jones pressures him at Memorial Coliseum. The Vikings defeated the Rams 38-35. Mandatory Credit: David Boss-USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss Arguably the greatest draft pick in franchise history, Tarkenton slipped to the Vikings in round three at No. 29 overall in 1961. He won NFL MVP honors in 1975 and led Minnesota to three Super Bowl appearances in his Hall of Fame career. The Vikings have had many “good” QBs in their history in the NFL. But none of them had the longevity, consistency, and all-world production Tarkenton provided over two stints in Minnesota. New England Patriots: Tom BradySep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots former quarterback Tom Brady speaks during a halftime ceremony in his honor during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports Shocker! The best to ever do it is the Patriots’ entry. Who’da thought? You all know the story. The No. 199 pick of the 2000 NFL Draft entered the league with no expectations. Fast forward to now, and he’s the undisputed GOAT with seven Super Bowl rings — six as a Patriot — three MVPS and the proud owner of every major passing record. New Orleans Saints: Drew BreesDec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) pressures during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports The Saints signed Brees as a free agent in 2006 when the Chargers opted to roll with Philip Rivers as their QB. And the rest is history. Brees cemented himself as one of the all-time greats over his 15 years in New Orleans. At the time of his retirement, the Super Bowl 44 champion and MVP winner was the league’s all-time passing yards and TDs leader before Tom Brady surpassed him. New York Giants: Eli ManningNew York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) waves to the fans as he exits the field at MetLife Stadium for possibly the last time in his career. The Eagles defeat the Giants, 34-17, on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford. Nyg Vs Phi The Chargers actually drafted Eli first overall in 2004. He refused to play for them and was traded to the Giants, who had selected Philip Rivers fourth overall. In this do-over, the Bolts would just take Rivers first, and the Giants would take Eli at fourth overall. He wasn’t consistent by any means. But flags fly forever. Eli led the Giants to two Super Bowl championships. And he’s the franchise’s all-time passing yards and TDs leader by a healthy margin. New York Jets: Joe NamathUnknown date; Boston, MA, USA: FILE PHOTO; New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath (12) in action against the Boston Patriots. Mandatory Credit: Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports Take away Broadway Joe’s career, and the Jets are by far the saddest franchise in North American sports. Fortunately, Namath led this otherwise abhorrent franchise to its lone Super Bowl championship back in the 1968 season — when the Jets notably beat the heavily-favored Colts. The Jets took Namath first overall in 1965, when they were in the AFL. The St. Louis Cardinals took him 12th overall in the ‘65 NFL Draft. Good thing Namath went to the Jets. Otherwise…. Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabbOctober 6, 2002;Jacksonville,FL,USA; #5 Quarterback Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles scrambles against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Alltel Stadium. CREDIT: Paul Chapman/ USA TODAY Sports He’s not in the Hall of Fame like Sonny Jurgensen or Norm Van Brocklin. And he didn’t lead them to a Super Bowl like Nick Foles or Jalen Hurts. Still, it’s hard to go against McNabb here. The No. 2 pick of 1999 earned six Pro Bowl nods and helped the Eagles re-emerge as a juggernaut in the 2000s. He and Andy Reid led Philly to five NFC title games and a Super Bowl 39 appearance. McNabb was long gone when Foles led Philly to its first Super Bowl championship in 2017. Still, the former QB was instrumental in helping Philly go from perennial disappointment to perennial NFL contenders. Pittsburgh Steelers: Terry BradshawUnknown date; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Chuck Noll (left) on the sidelines with quarterback Terry Bradshaw (12). Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons- USA TODAY Sports There’s a small crowd of Steelers fans who would prefer Ben Roethlisberger on this list. But Big Ben didn’t win four rings like Bradshaw. He never won an MVP like Bradshaw. He never earned All-Pro honors or All-Decade honors like Brashaw, either. Yeah, the Black and Gold struck gold, alright, by drafting Bradshaw first overall in 1970. Need anything else? San Francisco 49ers: Joe MontanaJan 20,1985; Palo Alto, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana (16) on the field against the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium. Montana was voted the games most valuable player as he completed 24 of 35 passes for a Super Bowl record 331 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed five times for 59 yards including a 6 yard touchdown as the 49ers defeated the Dolphins 38-16 marking their 2nd Super Bowl championship. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-US PRESSWIRE If not for Brady, Montana would be the greatest draft steal in NFL history. The 49ers didn’t take him until round three at No. 82 overall. Little did everyone know that this pick would turn the league upside down. Montana led the 49ers to four Super Bowl championships. And let’s be real, would Steve Young have led the 49ers to their fifth Super Bowl if he didn’t get to learn behind ‘Joe Cool’ in the first place? Seattle Seahawks: Russell WilsonDec 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws the ball during warmups before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Wilson’s tenure with the Seahawks ended on ugly terms, but there’s no debating who the best QB in franchise history is for this NFL team. Seattle’s legendary 2012 draft class included the jackpot selection of Wilson in round three at No. 75 overall. He took Seattle to the postseason eight times in 10 years. They won two NFC titles and Super Bowl 48 in the 2013 season. Oh, and he has those nine Pro Bowl nods as a Seahawk on his resume. Not bad, even for the now journeyman. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tom Brady20. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021) – 374.7 points He only played three seasons with the Bucs, but the GOAT sure made ‘em memorable. If you’re a Bucs fan, your only complaint is “what if” they drafted TB12 in the first place? As previously noted, he wasn’t taken until round six at No. 199 overall in 2000. He led the Bucs to one Super Bowl title, but it would have been far more if Tampa had landed him 20 years earlier, before 2020 free agency. Tennessee Titans: Warren MoonDec 9, 1984; Anaheim, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon (1) and guard Mike Munchak (63) in action against Los Angeles Rams defensive linemen Reggie Doss (71) and Reggie Doss (77) at Anaheim Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK Moon is the longest-tenured Titans QB ever. Only one of three Hall of Fame signal-callers to wear this jersey, the others being George Blanda and Ken Stabler. Moon played for the Titans/Houston Oilers franchise from 1984 to ‘93. The nine-time Pro Bowler led them to six playoff appearances and holds every franchise passing record by a country mile. Not bad for a former CFL star who didn’t make it to the NFL until 1984 as an undrafted free agent. Washington Commanders: Sammy BaughUnknown date & Location; USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh in a portrait session. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports Sonny Jurgensen and Joe Theisman deserved shout-outs. But Baugh, who played way-back-when from 1937 to 1952, Baugh led Washington to NFL championships in 1937 and ‘42. The six-time Pro Bowler was the ultimate Swiss Army Knife, also playing punter and safety. Baugh was also named to the NFL’s 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time teams.
Von Miller teases Broncos reunion, with a John Elway twist
The Denver Broncos were quiet during the 2026 NFL Draft without a first- or second-round pick. But that isn’t keeping the team out of the headlines. One legendary Broncos player could end up back with the team in a new role in the future. Former Broncos edge rusher Von Miller teased a potential reunion in […] The post Von Miller teases Broncos reunion, with a John Elway twist appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The 10 NFL Draft Classes With The Highest Number Of Hall Of Famers
There are a number of different statistics you can turn to when trying to figure out which NFL Draft class boasted the highest level of talent. That includes the number of players who’ve ended up enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and there are some groups that really stand out from the pack […] The post The 10 NFL Draft Classes With The Highest Number Of Hall Of Famers appeared first on BroBible.
‘Tecmo Super Bowl’ Is Back! Will Be Featured As Trading Cards In Upcoming Topps NFL Set
For people of a certain age, the words “Tecmo Super Bowl” elicit feelings that have gone unmatched by 35 years of subsequent sports video games. It was the first video game to be licensed by both the National Football League and the National Football League Players Association. That meant it was the first video game […] The post ‘Tecmo Super Bowl’ Is Back! Will Be Featured As Trading Cards In Upcoming Topps NFL Set appeared first on BroBible.
10 Crazy NFL Trades That Almost Happened and Would’ve Changed Everything
Every NFL trade that happens changes the league to some degree… But what about the trades that didn’t happen? The ones that were agreed upon—then blocked—or backed out of. The times that General Managers of teams went to bed thinking they had a deal that was going to change the trajectory of their franchise, only to wake up empty-handed. The ones where one phone call, one owner’s grudge, or one failed physical changed the course of NFL history. These ten trades would have reshaped franchises, altered dynasties, and completely changed the careers of some of the biggest names in football. Let’s break down the craziest NFL trades that never happened—and why they fell apart. Why did these trades fail to push through in the NFL? Brian Burns to the Rams (2022)Dec 24, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) walks off the field after the win over the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports At the 2022 trade deadline, the Rams offered the Panthers a monster package for edge rusher Brian Burns: two first-round picks and a second-round pick in the NFL Draft, but the Panthers said no to that trade. Scott Fitterer, Carolina’s general manager, saw Burns as a foundational piece. The Panthers had just fired Matt Rhule. They didn’t want to look like they were tanking. They wanted to show the locker room that they were still trying to compete. So they kept Burns. They tried to sign him to a long-term extension. Burns wanted $30 million per year. The two sides couldn’t agree. The Panthers went 2-15 the next season—the worst record in the NFL. Not long after, Burns was demanding a trade, and Carolina’s leverage was gone. The bidding war that never happened. The Panthers finally shipped him to the New York Giants for a second-round pick and a swap of fifth-rounders. Talk about fumbling the bag! Russell Wilson to the Bears (2021)Dec 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws the ball during warmups before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Three first-round picks. A third-round pick. Two starters. That’s what the Bears offered the Seahawks for Russell Wilson in March 2021. Ryan Pace, Chicago’s general manager, was all in, putting together one of the most aggressive trade packages in the NFL in recent memory after Wilson had named the Bears as one of four teams he’d waive his no-trade clause for. Needless to say, Chicago was prepared to mortgage its future. And, man, after seeing how another crazy aggressive trade package for Wilson—the cursed one that Denver put together—played out… Pace has to be thanking his lucky stars that this deal fell through because the Seahawks were hell-bent on getting one of the stars off of Chicago’s defense as part of the package. Fast forward today, and it looks like it’s all over for Wilson. Raiders Refused to Trade Khalil Mack Across the Bay (2018)Dec 30, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack (52) looks on following the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports The 49ers made the best offer, but unfortunately for San Francisco, the Raiders didn’t care. In September 2018, the Oakland Raiders were shopping Khalil Mack, the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year, who had held out all of training camp. More than half the league called. The Bears, Jets, and 49ers all made serious offers. The 49ers went hard. General manager John Lynch believed San Francisco offered more than anyone else. “I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but we tried like heck to acquire Khalil Mack,” Lynch told 95.7 The Game. “I continue to think we offered a better deal than Chicago.” But instead, the Raiders took Chicago’s offer of two first-round picks, a third-round pick, and a sixth-round pick—a move many suspect they made because of the rivalry between the two franchises… they couldn’t stomach the idea of sending a player of his caliber to a rival… so they didn’t! It is a shame too… Chicago had a nice run with Mack, but they never had enough offense to be serious contenders. That 49ers team really could’ve been special with a generational talent added to their D-line! Ben Roethlisberger to the Rams (2010)December 19, 2010; Pittsburgh, PA, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks on from the sidelines against the New York Jets during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Jets won 22-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE Believe it or not, the Steelers actually tried to trade Ben Roethlisberger. In 2010, Roethlisberger was suspended for six games following allegations of sexual assault. It was later reduced to four… but his reputation was in shambles, and Pittsburgh’s front office was growing tired of his off-the-field antics. According to multiple reports, the Steelers approached the St. Louis Rams about a trade for the embattled NFL star. Pittsburgh wanted a high draft pick in exchange for its franchise quarterback. The Rams said no. At the time, it seemed like a reasonable decision. The Rams had the first overall pick in the 2010 draft. They were rebuilding. Sam Bradford was the consensus top quarterback prospect. Why give up a premium pick for a quarterback with serious off-field baggage? Here’s what happened next: Roethlisberger came back from his suspension and led the Steelers to a 12-4 record. They won the AFC Championship and reached Super Bowl XLV. Roethlisberger would go on to play another 11 seasons in Pittsburgh, making more Pro Bowls, winning a lot more games, and cementing his Hall of Fame credentials. As for the Rams, well, Bradford showed flashes but never developed into a franchise quarterback. They cycled through coaches and quarterbacks, going nowhere until Sean McVay arrived in 2017, when the Rams turned things around. Sometimes, the trade you don’t make costs you a decade. Stefon Diggs Chose Buffalo Over the Jets (2020)Dec 28, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports Stefon Diggs almost became a Jet. By the spring of 2020, Diggs was done in Minnesota. He’d skipped practices. He’d been fined $200,000. And he’d told reporters, “There’s truth to all rumors,” when asked about demanding a trade to a different NFL team. The Vikings were ready to move on. After the season ended, Diggs’s options crystallized. It was Buffalo or the Jets. “After the season, I was like, man, it’s either I go there, or it was like the Jets or somewhere like that,” Diggs said. “I was like, I’m gonna go to Buffalo and see what’s going on.” He picked the Bills, and the trade sent shockwaves through both franchises. Minnesota used that first-round pick on a receiver out of LSU named Justin Jefferson. In Buffalo, Diggs unlocked Josh Allen. In his first season with the Bills, Diggs led the NFL with 127 catches and 1,535 receiving yards, and Allen’s completion percentage jumped from 58.8% to 69.2%. And… of course… the Jets, well, they remained the Jets. Bills Wanted Christian McCaffrey (2022)Dec 24, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) walks off the field after defeating the Washington Commanders at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports Before Christian McCaffrey became the centerpiece of San Francisco’s offense, the Buffalo Bills were circling—and, man, we could be looking at a completely different NFL landscape had they been able to pair him with Josh Allen. Back in October of 2022, the Panthers had just fired Matt Rhule. McCaffrey was the most valuable asset on the roster. The Bills desperately needed a dynamic running back. Josh Allen was doing everything himself. Adding McCaffrey seemed like the missing piece. Bills GM Brandon Beane called the Panthers. Multiple times. He stayed in touch throughout the entire process. But he never made a firm offer. “Yes, that was the last draft I was there in Carolina. Know him well,” Beane told reporters. “When you hear he’s on the block, I wouldn’t be doing my due diligence to not look into that. I did speak to the Panthers GM. Never made him an offer, but did stay in touch through the process.” Why didn’t Buffalo pull the trigger? “Ultimately, it was going to be more than we were going to be able to do.” The 49ers didn’t hesitate. They offered second-, third-, and fourth-round picks in 2023, plus a fifth-rounder in 2024. McCaffrey went on to lead the NFL in rushing in 2023, won Offensive Player of the Year, and helped San Francisco reach the big game. The Bills brought in Nyheim Hines instead. And every time McCaffrey torches a defense, Buffalo fans wonder what could have been. Buffalo is fortunate that James Cook developed into a consistent producer; otherwise, they really would’ve been sick over this one… Larry Fitzgerald to the Eagles (2008)January 29, 2008; Tampa FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) at the Cardinals press conference at the Hyatt Plaza hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Larry Fitzgerald should have been an Eagle. In 2008, the Arizona Cardinals were strapped for cash. Fitzgerald was due to make $14.6 million that year and $17.3 million the next. The back end of his rookie contract had the team over a barrel with a gigantic cap number. The Eagles came calling. According to Fitzgerald himself, Philadelphia offered to trade a first-round pick and a third-round pick for the perennial NFL All-Pro receiver. Arizona seriously considered it, but ultimately, the Cardinals signed Fitzgerald to a four-year, $40 million extension with a no-trade clause, keeping their franchise cornerstone in place. Here’s the twist: Later that same season, the Eagles and Cardinals met in the NFC Championship Game. Fitzgerald destroyed Philadelphia. Nine catches, 152 yards, and three touchdowns—en route to the Cardinals winning the contest 32-25 to advance to Super Bowl XLIII. The Eagles suffered their fourth NFC Championship loss of the decade—and got torched by the receiver they almost traded for. Fitzgerald went on to become the second-leading receiver in NFL history. He played his entire 17-year career in Arizona. The Eagles? They spent years searching for a true number-one receiver. One trade rejection turned into one championship game destruction. Deshaun Watson to the Saints (2022)Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson comes off the field after practice during the NFL football team’s football training camp in Berea on Aug. 4, 2022. Watson File Photo 5 The New Orleans Saints did everything right. It still wasn’t enough. In March 2022, Deshaun Watson was finally available. A grand jury had declined to indict him on criminal charges, and the Texans were ready to deal. Watson had a no-trade clause, so he controlled his destiny. Four teams made serious offers: the Panthers, Falcons, Browns, and Saints. New Orleans went all in. The Saints were the only team to get a second meeting with Watson. Owner Gayle Benson flew in personally. They restructured contracts across the roster to clear cap space. They put together a trade package that would have sent multiple first-round picks to Houston. By Thursday , Watson had eliminated the Panthers and Browns. It was down to two NFC South rivals: the Saints and the Falcons. New Orleans had every reason to feel confident. They had the better roster. They had the more urgent need—Drew Brees had retired, and they’d just gone 9-8 with four different starting quarterbacks. Watson meeting with Benson twice signaled a serious interest. Then Friday morning happened. Watson’s agent called the Browns—the team Watson had eliminated 24 hours earlier—and said Cleveland was back in play. The Browns offered something no other team would match: a five-year, $230 million contract that was fully guaranteed. The Saints couldn’t compete with that. Neither could Atlanta. The Panthers had already been eliminated because they wouldn’t guarantee years three and four. Watson chose the money. He went to Cleveland, where his future remains uncertain. As a result, Baker Mayfield got sent on the odyssey that has since landed him in Tampa Bay, and while the Saints haven’t made the most of this epic bullet dodged, there is no denying that they ended up in a way better spot than the Browns. Pete Rozelle Blocked John Elway's move to the Raiders (1983)Denver Broncos — John Elway, 1983-1998, 51,475 yards Xxx C10 90 Elway 26 S Fbn Co The Raiders thought they had John Elway. The deal was done. Al Davis had put together a package the Colts couldn’t refuse: three first-round picks and two second-round picks for the number-one overall selection. Ernie Accorsi, Baltimore’s general manager, later confirmed it would have been “the best package ever” for Elway. There was just one problem: Davis needed another first-round pick in the NFL Draft to make the trade work. He went to the Chicago Bears, who had the sixth overall selection. The Raiders offered Howie Long, draft picks, and other assets. The Bears were receptive. The deal was closed. Then the night before the draft, everything fell apart. Bears GM Jim Finks called Raiders director of football operations Steve Ortmayer. “It’s not going to happen,” Finks said. “They’re not going to let it happen.” By “they,” everyone understood he meant the NFL league office—and specifically, Commissioner Pete Rozelle. “We almost had Elway, but Pete Rozelle voided the trade,” Ron Wolf, a former Raiders personnel executive now in the Hall of Fame, said years later. “We had the trade set up with Baltimore, but Pete wouldn’t let it happen.” Rozelle and Davis hated each other. Davis had been AFL commissioner during the merger negotiations in 1966, and Rozelle edged him out for the unified NFL commissioner job. Davis later sued the NFL over his franchise’s move to Los Angeles—and won, collecting $35 million in damages. And as a result… The Broncos acquired Elway for a far inferior package: backup quarterback Mark Herrmann, tackle Chris Hinton, and a first-round pick. Elway went on to win two Super Bowls and become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Have to think that Davis was wishing that he didn’t play hardball with Rozelle after that one! Randy Moss and Aaron Rodgers Almost Became Raiders/Packers (2007)Nov. 29, 2007; Irving, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts as the game ends against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. Dallas defeated Green Bay 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports During the 2007 NFL Draft, the Raiders were shopping Randy Moss. He’d been a disaster in Oakland—just 43 catches the year before—and they wanted out. Two teams were seriously interested: Green Bay and New England. Allegedly, the Raiders floated a trade that would have sent Moss to Green Bay in exchange for Aaron Rodgers. Think about that. Rodgers was a backup entering his third year, an unproven commodity sitting behind Brett Favre. The Packers had Favre committed to playing a few more years. Moss would give him a weapon to chase another Super Bowl. Rodgers might never get a chance in Green Bay anyway. The Raiders held the first overall pick in the 2007 draft. If they’d gotten Rodgers, they could have traded that pick or selected Calvin Johnson at number two. But the two sides couldn’t agree on the additional draft compensation. The Raiders wanted more. The Packers wouldn’t budge. So the trade shifted to a simpler version: Moss for a draft pick… and Green Bay was outbid by New England because they wouldn’t budge from a 5th round pick—which in retrospect is a hilarious and terrible move… though I’m sure once Rodgers led them to a Super Bowl in 2010 they felt a sense of relief too… As per usual, the Raiders ended up down a bad path… instead of Rodgers, the Raiders drafted JaMarcus Russell—arguably the biggest bust in NFL history.