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The Worst Trade For Every NFL Team In History

By Erik Lambert

31 Dec 1995: Quarterback Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers avoid pressure during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game 37-20. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport
31 Dec 1995: Quarterback Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers avoid pressure during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game 37-20. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport /
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Cincinnati Bengals

56. . WR. Cincinnati Bengals. Charlie Joiner . 7. player

It’s amazing to think that the Cincinnati Bengals had a Hall of Fame receiver in their midst and blew it. There may be a reason they did. The team traded for Charlie Joiner in 1972. Up to that point, he was a moderately decent former 4th round pick who never was able to find a niche in Houston. Things looked like they might turn around in Cincinnati.

A big reason for that was a hotshot offensive coordinator named Bill Walsh who was building a new offensive that required precision route runners, which Joiner was. Their third full season together in 1975, he had his best season yet with over 700 yards and five touchdowns. It looked like he was poised for a breakout. Then Walsh resigned.

Not seeing the value Joiner had, the Bengals shipped him to San Diego in exchange for 34-year old defensive end Coy Bacon. It was with the Chargers where people finally saw what he could do. Joiner played 11 more seasons, catching 586 passes for 9,203 yards and 47 touchdowns. No doubt Cincinnati fans have to wonder how different things might’ve been if they’d kept Joiner and promoted Walsh to head coach when Paul Brown retired.

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