The Most Impactful NFL Trades Teams Have Made Since 2010
By Erik Lambert
New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks swap TE Jimmy Graham for C Max Unger
This was a blockbuster in 2015 that nobody saw coming. It caught the entire NFL world flat-footed at the start of free agency that March. While it was obvious the New Orleans Saints were in a tight salary cap bind, most expected they’d try to find a way to keep their All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham. Even quarterback Drew Brees though that would be the case. Turns out their GM Mickey Loomis didn’t feel the same way, making Graham available to other teams interested.
The Seattle Seahawks, desperate for a bigger target on their offense, pounced on the opportunity. They packaged their 1st round pick along with Pro Bowl center Max Unger in exchange for Graham and a 4th round pick. Thus far the results of the trade can be argued. Graham became productive in the Seahawks offense but has also dealt with injury. At the same time their offensive line hasn’t been the same since they lost Unger, especially in the playoffs.
Drew Brees has flourished with the center snapping him the ball and the Saints have done just fine without Graham but haven’t been able to reach the playoffs regardless.