A blockbuster Monday trade sending two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from Cleveland to Los Angeles has added him to a growing list of elite NFL players moved during their prime years.
The surprising Garrett trade occurred approximately nine months following another shocking move involving a premier pass rusher, when Micah Parsons was transferred from Dallas to Green Bay just prior to last season’s opening.
Los Angeles will surrender 2024 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, along with draft selections including a 2027 first-round pick, 2028 second-round choice, and 2029 third-round selection to Cleveland in the transaction, which remains contingent on a physical examination.
Monday’s activity included additional star movement, as Philadelphia shipped receiver A.J. Brown to New England in exchange for a 2028 first-round selection and 2027 fifth-round pick.
Green Bay surrendered two first-round selections and defensive tackle Kenny Clark last August to acquire Parsons from Dallas. Parsons recorded 12 1/2 sacks across 14 contests with the Packers before suffering a season-ending knee injury that damaged Green Bay’s campaign.
Dallas utilized their initial first-round selection to move down three positions in April’s draft, selecting defensive end Malachi Lawrence in round one, plus cornerback Devin Moore and defensive end LT Overton in the fourth round.
Several other NFL superstars have been moved during their peak performance years:
Immediately before the 2018 season began, Oakland and Chicago completed a transaction resembling the Parsons deal. The Raiders sent two-time All-Pro and former Defensive Player of the Year winner Mack to the Bears for two first-round selections after contract negotiations failed.
The 2018 deal ultimately disappointed both franchises. While Mack performed excellently in Chicago, earning All-Pro recognition in his debut year, he couldn’t help the Bears capture a playoff victory during his four seasons before moving to the Chargers.
Oakland selected running back Josh Jacobs with their first pick, who performed well before departing via free agency after 2023. Their second first-round choice was squandered on cornerback Damon Arnette, who was released midway through his sophomore campaign.
Dallas history’s most renowned trade occurred during Jerry Jones’ inaugural ownership season in 1989, when the Cowboys sent Herschel Walker to Minnesota for a package eventually yielding eight draft picks, including three first-rounders. Dallas utilized those selections to draft Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and key contributors to three Super Bowl championships like Darren Woodson, Kevin Smith and Russell Maryland.
Minnesota failed to win a playoff contest during Walker’s two-plus seasons there.
Jones completed another famous transaction that powered Dallas’ 1990s dynasty by acquiring the pass rusher from San Francisco for second- and third-round picks in 1992. Haley became the defensive piece Dallas needed to capture three Super Bowls during his initial four seasons, defeating the 49ers in the NFC championship en route to the first two titles.
Moss was a three-time All-Pro and the league’s most feared deep threat when Minnesota dealt him to Oakland in 2005 for a package including the No. 7 overall draft selection. The move benefited neither franchise as Minnesota chose Troy Williamson, who managed 79 receptions across three seasons, while Oakland won six games over two years.
Moss was subsequently dealt to New England in 2007, establishing an NFL record with 23 touchdown receptions in his debut season as the Patriots became the sole team to achieve a 16-0 regular season.
Six years after Minnesota traded him to the New York Giants, Tarkenton returned to the Vikings in 1972 following four Pro Bowl appearances in six New York seasons. Tarkenton guided Minnesota to three Super Bowl appearances across seven seasons in his second tenure — losing each time — and earned NFL MVP honors in 1975.
The unhappy Dickerson was moved from the Los Angeles Rams to Indianapolis in 1987 through a major deal that also sent Cornelius Bennett to Buffalo. Dickerson helped the Colts reach the playoffs for the first time in a decade during his debut season, then led the NFL in rushing during 1988.
Faulk topped the NFL with 2,227 yards from scrimmage in 1998 when Indianapolis surprisingly decided to trade him to St. Louis. The Colts drafted Hall of Famer Edgerrin James in the first round as Faulk’s successor, but the Rams clearly won the exchange.
Faulk helped create the “Greatest Show on Turf” offense as St. Louis captured the Super Bowl in his first season. Faulk accumulated nearly 1,500 more yards from scrimmage and 18 more touchdowns than any other player from 1999-2001, winning AP Offensive Player of the Year all three seasons and MVP in 2000.
McCaffrey transformed San Francisco’s offense after being acquired from Carolina during the 2022 season for a four-pick package. McCaffrey accumulated 3,233 yards and scored 31 touchdowns across his first 27 regular-season games for the Niners before injuries limited him last season.
He earned AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 when he helped San Francisco reach the Super Bowl.
Dean was coming off an All-Pro campaign in 1980 when he was traded the next year to San Francisco for a package including a first-round pick. His arrival helped launch the 49ers dynasty. He earned All-Pro honors in 1981 when San Francisco won its first of five championships across a 14-season span and recorded a 17 1/2-sack season in 1983 before Hall of Fame induction.
In a major star-for-star exchange, Denver obtained Bailey from Washington for star running back Clinton Portis. Portis achieved four 1,000-yard rushing seasons with Washington, but the Broncos emerged as the clear winner.
Bailey played 10 additional seasons, earning All-Pro recognition his first three seasons, leading the league with 10 interceptions in 2006 and gaining Hall of Fame entry.
Warfield had achieved consecutive Pro Bowl selections for Cleveland when Don Shula acquired him during his first season as Miami’s head coach. Warfield provided a crucial deep threat for the Dolphins, making five straight Pro Bowl appearances. Warfield earned All-Pro honors twice and helped Miami win consecutive Super Bowls, including the perfect 17-0 season in 1972.
