There were 6 trades that broke the NFL in 2019, which helped create one of the craziest NFL seasons yet. Let’s recap them:
Texans receive: LT Laremy Tunsil, WR Kenny Stills, other day 3 picks
Dolphins receive: 2020 1st round pick, 2021 1st round pick, 2021 2nd round pick, other players
Dolphins grade: A
Miami acquired so many valuable assets from this trade. Losing a solid starting WR and a star LT definitely hurts, but these players didn’t fit with Miami’s long term plans. Overall, they got tremendous value for two players that wouldn’t have been used to their maximum potential in Miami.
Texans grade: C-
Houston lost this trade. Don’t get me wrong, they got a ton of talent from this deal, but they lost two 1st rounders, which was too expensive. Also, Tunsil wants to reset the market which he doesn’t deserve. Big loss for the Texans, who didn’t get enough value for the draft capital that they traded.
Seahawks receive: LE Jadeveon Clowney
Texans receive: LB Jacob Martin, LB Barkevios Mingo, 2020 3rd round pick
Seahawks grade: B
On the surface, trading for a 1-year rental of a pass rusher who did not even get 4 sacks is a huge loss, until you realize what they gave up. Seattle gave up two players who played minimal time in 2019. Although Clowney had underwhelming production in 2019, it’s justifiable by the likely comp pick in 2020.
Texans grade: C
Houston, yet again, lost a trade. I am basically the Texans hate writer, but I have a point. They traded a great run defender for a few bad linebackers and a 3rd. Mingo isn’t even on the team anymore, and Martin didn’t play. Although they had to trade Clowney, they settled for a tiny return.
Steelers receive: FS Minkah Fitzpatrick
Dolphins receive: 2020 1st round pick
Steelers grade: A-
This was a great trade for Pittsburgh. They perfectly developed Minkah into a superstar free safety and he had an all-pro season under Mike Tomlin. Giving up the 18th pick seemed rich at the time, but getting such a young and talented player was worth that price. In addition, Minkah filled a hole at the free safety position and capped off an elite Steelers defense. Great acquisition for Pittsburgh.
Dolphins grade: B
Miami didn’t do bad here. Minkah wanted out, so they proceeded to trade him for about as much value as they could’ve gotten at the time. Minkah is incredibly talented, and I still don’t hate the return here. When you have no choice but to trade someone, I’m usually a bit more lenient when it comes to the return.
Jaguars receive: 2020 1st round pick, 2021 1st round pick
Rams receive: CB Jalen Ramsey
Jaguars grade: A-
The Jags are getting unnecessary hate for this deal. They got two first round picks that likely won’t be from a playoff team as well as avoiding a locker room issue. Although their cornerback room is very questionable at the moment, they got value from a player who made it clear that he did not want to remain (which is the theme in Jacksonville).
Rams grade: C+
I don’t exactly understand why the Rams chose to make this trade. I’m aware that Jalen Ramsey is elite, and that their cornerback group was sub-par. But when you are in the salary cap situation that the Rams were in, you don’t trade for someone who will reset the market and trade two first rounders (even more value due to cheap rookie contracts).
Photo credit: Rams Wire
