NFL's Best Offseason Trades

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
May 14, 2009

NFL's Best Offseason Trades

Jay Cutler to Chicago for Kyle Orton

Denver sends QB Jay Cutler to Chicago for QB Kyle Orton, 2009 first- and third-round picks, 2010 first-round pick. Cutler was never able to get on the same page with Josh McDaniels after learning the new Denver coach tried to trade for former Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel. Orton showed flashes of solid play for the Bears last season but was inconsistent. Denver added Tennessee DE Robert Ayers with the Bears' first-round choice.

Matt Cassel to Kansas City

Patriots send QB Matt Cassel, LB Mike Vrabel to Kansas City for 2009 second-round pick. The new regime of president Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley targeted Cassel, who Pioli knew from New England. Some critics suggested the Pats could have gotten more for Cassel, who filled in admirably for Tom Brady last season. Vrabel isn't talked about as much in this deal, but will add leadership to the Chiefs defense.

Mark Sanchez to the Jets

N.Y. Jets send 2009 first- and second-round picks, DE Kenyon Coleman, QB Brett Ratliff, S Abram Elam for Cleveland's 2009 first-round pick. The Jets aggressively went after the Browns' No. 5 overall pick to draft Mark Sanchez, a quarterback many feel will end up being the best in this class. Meanwhile, Browns head coach Eric Mangini seems to be following the pattern of trading down in the draft that has often worked so well for his former team, the Patriots. Mangini also gets three players he was comfortable with when he was the Jets head coach.

Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta

Kansas City sends TE Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta for 2010 second-round pick. The Chiefs are using a different offensive system this season and may not need Tony Gonzalez as much as they did in the past. The Falcons get a surefire Hall of Famer who still has enough speed to be a difficult matchup. Atlanta clearly feels it can win now with young stars like QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner.

Jason Peters to Philadelphia

Buffalo sends LT Jason Peters to Philadelphia for 2009 first-round pick, 2009 fourth-round pick, 2010 conditional pick. The Eagles acquired the two-time Pro Bowl left tackle and gave him a six-year, $60 million contract. The Bills weren't interested in paying that much for a lineman who gave up a lot of sacks last season. But the 6-foot-4, 340-pound Peter is a major talent and should have success filling in for long-time Eagle Tra Thomas, who signed with the Jags this offseason.

Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay

Cleveland sends TE Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay for 2009 second-round pick, 2010 conditional pick. Winslow had some brilliant moments in Cleveland, but off-field incidents and injuries soured the relationship. Winslow will have a chance to really help the Bucs' offense. Right now, Tampa Bay isn't settled on quarterback, but whoever wins the job will benefit from having Winslow as a target.

Lito Sheppard to N.Y. Jets

Philadelphia sends CB Lito Sheppard to N.Y. Jets for 2009 5th round pick, 2010 conditional pick. Sheppard is a two-time Pro Bowl defender, but he lost his starting spot to Asante Samuel last season. Sheppard will fill a big hole for the Jets, who struggled to get solid play across from young star CB Darrelle Revis. The Jets immediately gave Sheppard a four-year, $27 million deal and think the 27-year old defensive back has several more solid years in him.

Julian Peterson to Detroit

Seattle sends LB Julian Peterson to Detroit for DT Cory Redding and 2009 fifth-round pick. The Seahawks reportedly asked Peterson to reduce his 2009 salary, but the Pro Bowl linebacker refused. Seattle decided to move Peterson and they get back the 28-year-old Redding to add size on the front line. Both teams will fill holes --- the Lions get a linebacker who can rush the QB and the 'Hawks will bolster the interior of their line.

Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota

Houston sends QB Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota for 2009 4th-round pick. Lost in all the Brett Favre drama is the Vikings' move to obtain Sage Rosenfels this offseason. Rosenfels had some great moments and some real low points in Houston. Assuming Favre doesn't decide to come to Minnesota, the 31-year-old Rosenfels will compete with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting job. Rosenfels has a strong arm and can be effective when he doesn't lose focus.

Jon Kitna to Dallas for Anthony Henry

Dallas sends CB Anthony Henry to Detroit for QB Jon Kitna. Detroit gets a cornerback who should start and improve a leaky secondary, while losing a quarterback it was likely going to release. The Cowboys didn't want to let Kitna into the open market, and he will provide a better security blanket for Tony Romo than Brad Johnson did last season. Send comments to siwriters@simail.com