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The Most Impactful NFL Trades Teams Have Made Since 2010

By Erik Lambert

Jan 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC quarterback Alex Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs (11) prior to the game at Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC quarterback Alex Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs (11) prior to the game at Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs after catch in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs after catch in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bears trade TE Greg Olsen to Carolina Panthers

Looking back it could be argued that this was one of the crippling moves by former Bears GM Jerry Angelo that ended up getting him fired. It was apparent after 2010 that tight end Greg Olsen was becoming a prominent target in the passing game for quarterback Jay Cutler. The problem was their offensive coordinator Mike Martz didn’t utilize the tight end much in his scheme. Rather than insist he find away, they chose instead to ship him off to Carolina for a 3rd round pick.

A pick Angelo would never end up using. His successor Phil Emery used it in a package to trade for wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Meanwhile Olsen landed softly in Carolina and quickly developed a repoir with their young quarterback Cam Newton. Over time they were locked in and soon Olsen became one of the best receiving tight ends in the NFL. Through 2016 he has reached three Pro Bowls in Carolina and helped them reach the Super Bowl in 2015. Marshall reached two in Chicago but is also no longer with the team.

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