The NFL’s annual free agency period looms, a time when franchises attempt to reshape their rosters and, in some cases, make decisions that reverberate for years. March has proven to be a pivotal month in league history, marked by blockbuster trades that have either propelled teams to Super Bowl contention or sent them spiraling into disarray. Examining past March moves offers a cautionary tale for teams navigating the complexities of player acquisition and contract management.
One such example is the Denver Broncos’ acquisition of Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks on March 16, 2022. The Broncos, hoping to finally secure a franchise quarterback, surrendered a significant package: quarterback Drew Lock, defensive tackle Shelby Harris, tight complete Noah Fant, and a hefty collection of draft picks – first and second-round selections in both 2022 and 2023, plus a fifth-round pick in 2022. Even as the trade initially generated excitement, it ultimately proved disastrous. Wilson’s two seasons in Denver yielded a 13-21 record and two playoff misses. The Broncos released Wilson on March 4, 2024, saddling themselves with $53 million in dead money for 2024 and another $32 million in 2025, according to reports.
Ironically, the Seahawks benefited immensely from the trade. The draft capital acquired from Denver allowed them to build a core that culminated in a Super Bowl LX victory last February. Among the players drafted with those picks were left tackle Charles Cross, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and linebackers Boye Mafe and Derick Hall, all of whom were key contributors to the championship team.
Just two days after the Wilson trade, the Cleveland Browns made a move that has arguably become the worst transaction in franchise history. They acquired Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, despite more than 20 women having accused him of sexual misconduct. The Browns offered three first-round picks (2022, 2023, and 2024) and then signed Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. As of February 2026, Watson has played only 19 games for the Browns and missed the entire 2025 season.
Looking further back, a trade made on March 24, 1994, by the Indianapolis Colts demonstrates the potential for long-term success. The Colts sent quarterback Jeff George to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for two first-round picks (1994 and 1996) and a third-round pick (1994). While George’s tenure in Atlanta was unremarkable, the Colts used the draft capital to select wide receiver Marvin Harrison with the first-round pick in 1996. Harrison went on to become the Colts’ all-time leader in receptions (1,102), receiving yards (14,580), and receiving touchdowns (128). He played a pivotal role in the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI victory, earned three First-Team All-Pro selections, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
More recently, the March 17, 2021, trade that sent Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions to the Los Angeles Rams and Jared Goff in the opposite direction has too proven impactful. The Rams, with Stafford at quarterback, won Super Bowl LVI in his first season and reached the playoffs in four of his five seasons with the team. The Lions, utilizing the Rams’ draft picks, have drafted players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams, who have become central figures in Detroit’s resurgence, though the team has yet to reach a Super Bowl.
As teams prepare for the opening of free agency in March 2026, these past trades serve as stark reminders of the risks and rewards inherent in roster building. The pursuit of immediate success can often come at the expense of long-term stability, and even seemingly shrewd moves can have unforeseen consequences.
