Notable March Trades That Shaped the NFL Landscape

March marks the official start of the new league year in the NFL, a period defined by free agency and strategic trades. Teams often make pivotal moves during this month, aiming to improve their rosters, acquire draft capital, or shed costly contracts. Let’s examine four of the most impactful March trades in NFL history, analyzing their immediate effects and long-term consequences.

The Russell Wilson Trade to the Denver Broncos (March 16, 2022)

The Denver Broncos sought to solve their quarterback conundrum by acquiring Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks. In exchange for Wilson and a 4th-round pick in 2022, the Broncos sent Drew Lock, defensive tackle Shelby Harris, tight end Noah Fant, a 1st-round pick (2022), a 2nd-round pick (2022) and a 5th-round pick (2022) to Seattle.

The Seahawks strategically used these draft assets, selecting left tackle Charles Cross, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and linebackers Boye Mafe and Derick Hall – all of whom were key contributors to their Super Bowl LX victory in February 2026.

Wilson’s tenure in Denver was short-lived and unsuccessful. He played just two seasons, posting a 13-21 record and failing to lead the Broncos to the playoffs. Denver released Wilson on March 4, 2024, incurring $53 million in dead cap in 2024 and $32 million in 2025. Roger Goodell, as commissioner, oversaw the league’s financial regulations during this period.

The Cleveland Browns Acquire Deshaun Watson (March 18, 2022)

Two days after the Wilson trade, the Cleveland Browns made a controversial move, acquiring Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans. This transaction is widely considered one of the worst in franchise history, occurring after more than 20 women accused Watson of sexual misconduct.

The Browns traded three 1st-round picks (2022, 2023, and 2024) to the Texans and then signed Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. As of March 1, 2026, Watson has played only 19 games for the Browns and missed the entire 2025 season.

The Historic Trade for Jeff George – Colts and Falcons (March 24, 1994)

In 1994, the Indianapolis Colts traded quarterback Jeff George to the Atlanta Falcons, a move that unexpectedly paved the way for a franchise legend. The Falcons sent the Colts two 1st-round picks (1994 and 1996) and a 3rd-round pick (1994) for George.

George had mixed results in Atlanta, posting records of 7-9 and 9-7 in his two seasons. He publicly clashed with head coach June Jones in 1996 and was suspended for most of the season, never playing for the Falcons again.

The Colts used the 1996 1st-round pick to draft wide receiver Marvin Harrison. Harrison became the Colts’ all-time leader in receptions (1,102), receiving yards (14,580), and receiving touchdowns (128). He won Super Bowl XLI, earned three First-Team All-Pro selections, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Stafford-Goff Quarterback Swap (March 17, 2021)

The Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions finalized a blockbuster trade in March 2021, exchanging quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff. The Rams acquired Stafford, while the Lions received Goff, a 2022 1st-round pick, a 2023 1st-round pick, and a 2021 3rd-round pick.

The Rams, with Stafford at quarterback, won Super Bowl LVI and reached the playoffs in four of his five seasons. The Lions used the Rams’ draft picks to acquire players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams, who have been instrumental in the team’s recent success, though Detroit has yet to reach a Super Bowl.

As Roger Goodell noted in his post-Super Bowl address, the league continues to evolve, and strategic trades remain a critical component of team building. The decisions made in March can have lasting repercussions, shaping the competitive landscape for years to come.