Ranking The NFL's 10 Largest Trades: Where Does Micah Parsons Fit?

David

4 min read

Post on Sep 01, 2025

4.5

Share

Ranking the NFL's 10 Largest Trades: Where Does Micah Parsons Fit?

The NFL offseason is a whirlwind of activity, but nothing quite captures the imagination like a blockbuster trade. These deals reshape franchises, launch careers, and often dictate the course of a season – and sometimes, an entire era. But how do we objectively rank these monumental swaps? This article dives into the ten biggest NFL trades of all time, considering factors like player impact, draft capital involved, and long-term franchise ramifications, ultimately placing the Dallas Cowboys' acquisition of Micah Parsons in context.

The Methodology: A Multi-Faceted Approach

Ranking trades isn't a simple task. We've considered several crucial factors:

• Player Impact: How significantly did the traded player(s) impact their new team? Did they achieve Pro Bowl status, win championships, or fundamentally alter the team's trajectory?
• Draft Capital: The number and value of draft picks exchanged significantly influence a trade's magnitude. First-round picks hold immense weight, while later-round selections carry less impact.
• Long-Term Franchise Impact: Did the trade create a lasting positive or negative effect on the franchises involved? Did it lead to sustained success or a period of rebuilding?

The Top 10 (and Micah's Place):

Here's our ranking of the top 10 largest NFL trades, with a special focus on Micah Parsons' impact:

1. 2004: Randy Moss to the Oakland Raiders (from Minnesota Vikings): The Vikings gave up a first-round pick for Moss, who had off-field issues but still significantly boosted the Raiders' offense.

2. 1989: Herschel Walker to the Dallas Cowboys (from the Minnesota Vikings): This legendary trade involved multiple players and draft picks, fundamentally altering both franchises' futures. It's a textbook example of a trade with lasting, far-reaching consequences.

3. 2012: Robert Griffin III to the Washington Redskins (from the St. Louis Rams): The Rams traded down to accumulate multiple picks, but the Redskins mortgaged their future for Griffin, a move that ultimately didn't pan out as planned.

4. 2018: Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears (from the Oakland Raiders): The Bears gave up two first-round picks for the dominant pass rusher. Mack's impact was immediate, although his tenure wasn't as long as some hoped.

5. 2016: Jared Goff and multiple picks to the Los Angeles Rams (from the Tennessee Titans): This trade, which involved the Rams moving up to draft Goff, exemplifies the high stakes involved in acquiring a franchise quarterback.

6. 2021: Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams (from the Detroit Lions): This trade propelled the Rams to a Super Bowl victory, highlighting the impact of a veteran quarterback on a contending team.

7. 2019: Antonio Brown to the Oakland Raiders (from the Pittsburgh Steelers): While short-lived and ultimately controversial, Brown's arrival in Oakland generated immense pre-season hype, making it a notable trade despite its messy conclusion.

8. 2020: Stephon Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers (from the New England Patriots): Gilmore's acquisition boosted the Panthers' secondary, though it wasn't a complete franchise-altering move like some others on this list.

9. 2022: Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders (from the Green Bay Packers): The Raiders gave up significant draft capital to acquire one of the league's top wide receivers. Time will tell the full impact of this deal.

10. 2021: Micah Parsons to the Dallas Cowboys (from the Pittsburgh Steelers): The Cowboys traded up to select Parsons, and his immediate impact – Defensive Rookie of the Year and consistent Pro Bowl performances – makes this a strong contender for a higher spot in the future. His early career dominance significantly elevates this trade's ranking.

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Landscape of NFL Trades

The NFL's landscape is constantly shifting, with trades playing a crucial role in determining team success. While some trades immediately yield results, others take time to fully manifest their impact. Micah Parsons’ inclusion in this top ten list showcases the impact of a generational talent, and future seasons will certainly alter the ranking, adding new contenders to this prestigious list. The enduring legacy of these blockbuster trades underscores the thrilling unpredictability and constant evolution of professional football.

Call to Action: What do you think? Which trade deserves the top spot? Let us know in the comments below!