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The Greatest Trade For Every NFL Team In History

By Erik Lambert

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos general manager John Elway holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos general manager John Elway holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /
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Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Detroit Lions helmet sits on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Detroit Lions helmet sits on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Lions:  The Roy Williams trade

Removing the fingerprints of Matt Millen was the order of the day for the Detroit Lions by 2009 and it involved getting rid of his biggest draft disappointments. One of them was wide receiver Roy Williams. Though a Pro Bowler at one point, he’d not showed the consistency nor the commitment needed to help the team win. Luckily his prior great performances against the Dallas Cowboys were enough to help convince owner Jerry Jones to swing a deal that swapped the receiver for 1st, 3rd and 6th round picks.

While the move proved disastrous for Dallas, it enabled the Lions to draft tight end Brandon Pettigrew. He became a reliable target for young quarterback Matthew Stafford and helped to give the Lions credibility over the next few years, culminating in a playoff run in 2011, just three years after going 0-16. For all his critics about not becoming a star, Pettigrew has been a steady presence in the passing game.

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