Sportsnaut
When teams make trades, they hope they haven’t just gotten swindled. Ideally, they’ve just pulled off the heist of the century, but as we’ve seen in the NFL, that isn’t always the case.
For example, the Cleveland Browns thought they were getting a franchise quarterback when they traded three first-round picks for Deshaun Watson. Three years later, and he’s still yet to finish a season as Cleveland’s leading passer.
The point is, just because a team proposes a trade, it doesn’t mean it’s a good one that improves their chances to compete. Sometimes, it actually sets a franchise back.
This list takes a look at the worst NFL trade ideas on the internet right now. Have you seen a mind-numbingly terrible trade proposal online too? If so, give me a shout on X, and I’ll be happy to feature it in an upcoming article on Sportsnaut.
This gem comes from Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay. Would taking on a former No. 4 overall pick who’s still just 23 years old be a fun rebuilding project? Absolutely. Will the Steelers have enough time to dedicate to making sure Richardson receives the proper tutelage needed to erase his accuracy and consistency issues while keeping him healthy? We’re not so sure.
Aaron Rodgers is focused on helping the Steelers win their first playoff game since 2016; he won’t be setting extra time aside to help coach Richardson up, too. Plus, Kay wants the Steelers to trade a third-round selection for Richardson, but wouldn’t it be wiser to hold onto that pick until closer to the trade deadline, just in case Pittsburgh feels like they’re just a piece away?
Related: Aaron Rodgers Has Talked to Pro Bowl WR About Joining Pittsburgh Steelers
Seemingly no one wanted Shedeur Sanders during the 2025 NFL Draft. Every team had the opportunity to select the quarterback at least once, if not several times. But Sanders didn’t see his free-fall end until the Browns traded up to select him with the 144th overall pick.
However all Sanders has since done is excel at every checkpoint along the way. Some might even suggest he’s improved his value to prove he’s worth more than the fifth-round pick Cleveland invested in him. But that doesn’t mean the Browns should cash in on their investment right away, especially considering they’re still searching for a long-term solution.
Still, those factors didn’t prevent On SI’s Andy Quach from suggesting the Browns should just trade Sanders to the Colts to provide them with someone who is the “most promising quarterback in the room.”
First of all, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Even though Anthony Richardson has had drastic issues with accuracy, consistency, and durability, he’s still far and away the QB with the highest ceiling in Indianapolis; heck, he has one of the highest ceilings in the NFL.
While Sanders can be a high-level pocket passer, a dual-threat...
