Fansided
Fansided

Ranking the 5 best NFL trades of the 2018 offseason

By Erik Lambert

NEW ORLEANS, LA - AUGUST 30: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints talks with Teddy Bridgewater during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on August 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - AUGUST 30: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints talks with Teddy Bridgewater during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on August 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 24: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins looks to pass against the Denver Broncos in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 24: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins looks to pass against the Denver Broncos in the first half during a preseason game at FedExField on August 24, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

It wouldn’t surprise anybody if 2018 went down in history as the year where the greatest concentration of NFL trades ever took place.

The number is staggering. No fewer than 85 trades have been completed since the beginning of March. They have involved everything from players to draft picks. A number of them of the blockbuster variety, including names that people would’ve thought were staples for their former franchises. Now they’re suddenly wearing jerseys for new teams.

This begs an interesting question. Looking over the vast landscape, what were the five best trades to this point? To determine this it must involve trades that can be called significantly franchise-altering. Trades that can turn the fortunes of the teams involved almost immediately. Here are the ones that stick out the most, ranked in terms of likely impact and value.

#5:  Washington Redskins acquire Alex Smith from Kansas City

Could they have handled the Kirk Cousins situation better? Probably. Still, it was obvious to all that the quarterback was leaving in free agency this offseason. The Washington Redskins looked like a team that would have to start over at the position, either going after a free agent or drafting somebody. Instead they decided to go with a third option.

Knowing the Chiefs were interesting in moving on to their 1st round pick Patrick Mahomes in 2018, they pounced on the chance to acquire Alex Smith via trade. Though 34-years old, Smith is coming off the best season of his career with over 4,000 yards passing, 26 touchdowns and just five interceptions. A four-time Pro Bowler, he should keep the position strong.

Giving up a 3rd rounder and cornerback Kendall Fuller for that is a solid deal.

Home/NFL Hot Takes