Grades for each of the recent blockbuster trades in the NFL

Image of NFL blockbuster trades

The 2022 NFL offseason is about to kick into high gear with the legal tampering window set to open in free agency on Monday, but there have already been several NFL trades involving superstar players across the league.

Before we dive headfirst into all of the free agency news that will soon be upon us, let’s revisit those trades and give each team a grade for their effort.

Russell Wilson trade

The Russell Wilson trade involved the most assets changing teams. The Broncos sent the Seahawks QB Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a fifth-round pick. Seattle sent Denver Russell Wilson and a fifth-rounder.

Sure, that’s a significant haul for the Seahawks, but unless they use one of those draft picks on a quarterback who turns into a franchise player, they’re the loser in this deal. We won’t have a ‘real’ verdict until after the 2023 NFL draft when we can evaluate which prospects Seattle landed as a result of the trade, but for now, Denver wins this deal and it isn’t particularly close.

The Broncos will have little trouble replacing Noah Fant’s average production at tight end. And while it’s true they gave up two first-rounders, in reality, Wilson serves as their first-round pick in 2022. Landing a potential Hall-of-Fame quarterback with the ninth overall pick is nothing short of a grand slam.

The addition of Wilson puts the Broncos in the mix to be the best team in the AFC next season. They already have a top-tier defense and the offense is overflowing with skill players. All Denver was missing was a quarterback. Now, they not only have one, but they have one of the NFL’s best. And that’s an absolute win in one of the biggest NFL trades in recent memory.

Seattle Seahawks grade: D-

Denver Broncos grade: A+

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

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