Cade McNown NFL Trade History

Washington turned the No. 5 pick in the 1999 draft into the Saints' remaining 1999 draft class plus first- and third-round selections in 2000. The future first landed at No. 2 overall and became LaVar Arrington, while the rest of the package created extraordinary flexibility across two drafts. Washington did not maximize every individual piece, but controlling eight incoming selections for one move down created a massive roster-building advantage.

Washington moved up to No. 7 in the 1999 draft and selected Champ Bailey, while Chicago received No. 12 plus four additional picks. The Bears turned that volume into Cade McNown, D'Wayne Bates, Warrick Holdman, Jerry Wisne and Dustin Lyman. Bailey became a Hall of Fame cornerback, giving Washington overwhelming star value despite Chicago's much larger collection of selections.

Miami acquired quarterback Cade McNown and a 2002 seventh-round pick from Chicago, while the Bears received a 2002 sixth-rounder and a conditional 2003 pick that ultimately became a sixth-round selection. McNown never appeared in another NFL regular-season game after the trade. Chicago used the 2002 pick on Adrian Peterson, who played 106 career games and rushed for 1,283 yards, giving the Bears a decisive long-term advantage.

Miami Dolphins received a conditional 2003 pick that was not conveyed, while San Francisco 49ers received Cade McNown. The conditional pick was not conveyed and McNown never played a regular-season game for San Francisco, leaving both sides with little realized value. The hindsight grades are D for Miami Dolphins and D for San Francisco 49ers, producing a Even Trade verdict.