Every transaction below comes from an explicit player-to-trade
relationship in the TradeVerdicts database. Name-only substring
matching is not used.
The cards summarize the date, teams, assets, grades, and verdict.
Open the full trade page for the complete analysis and sourcing
context. Grading standards are explained in the
TradeVerdicts methodology.
Chronological Timeline
2 Recorded Trades
Oldest to newest
Trade 1 of 2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans
Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans Win Tier: landmark
Confidence: high
Houston acquired the 1978 first overall pick from Tampa Bay and used it on Earl Campbell, landing a Hall of Fame running back and instant franchise centerpiece. Tampa Bay received Jimmie Giles and multiple picks, so the Buccaneers did get real value from the move. But Houston got the defining player, the larger historical legacy, and the cleaner hindsight win.
Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans Win Tier: landmark
Confidence: high
Houston moved Earl Campbell to New Orleans for a 1985 first-round pick that became Richard Johnson, turning a declining franchise legend into a useful starting cornerback. The Saints reunited Campbell with Bum Phillips, but the move chased nostalgia more than remaining value. Campbell was no longer the dominant back from his Oilers peak, and New Orleans burned premium draft capital for a short, limited return.
