New England Patriots

Too early for a final verdict. Minnesota received 2026 6th round pick (198th overall, Demond Claiborne) and sent 2026 7th round pick (234th overall, Behren Morton) and a 2027 6th round pick; grade should stay TBD until the assets develop.

Summary: Jacksonville moved from picks 196 and 245 to pick 191 with New England. Analysis: This was a minor late-round consolidation to secure Josh Cameron. The cost was small, and the outcome should be treated as neutral until the player result is known.

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Kyle Dugger and 2026 7th round pick (224th overall, Robert Spears-Jennings) from New England/Boston Patriots for 2026 6th round pick (202nd overall subsequently traded, Logan Taylor). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while New England/Boston Patriots received comparable value in return. The grade is deliberately conservative because part of the source record is incomplete, conditional, approximate, or still too recent for a firm historical verdict.

Seattle acquired 2025 5th round pick (144th overall subsequently traded, Shedeur Sanders); 2025 7th round pick (238th overall, Ricky White) from New England Patriots on 2025-04-26, sending 2025 4th round pick (137th overall, Joshua Farmer) in return. Seattle's side of this 2025 draft-capital exchange was straightforward: the Seahawks received 2025 5th round pick (144th overall subsequently traded, Shedeur Sanders); 2025 7th round pick (238th overall, Ricky White) and surrendered 2025 4th round pick (137th overall, Joshua Farmer). The C grade reflects the known return, while New England Patriots's C grade accounts for the countervalue. The trade belongs as a minor database entry because its documented impact was real but not franchise-shaping.

Summary: Jacksonville acquired Mac Jones from New England Patriots for 2024 6th round pick (193rd overall, Joe Milton). Analysis: Jacksonville used a sixth-round pick on a backup quarterback with starting experience. The cost was modest enough to make the bet defensible.

Minnesota received 2024 6th round pick (188th overall subsequently traded, Jamal Hill) and sent Vederian Lowe.

Summary: Pittsburgh moved up from 17th to 14th overall in the 2023 draft, sending a fourth-round pick to New England to select offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Christian Gonzalez, taken at #17 by New England, became a 2023 Pro Bowl cornerback as a rookie. Analysis: Pittsburgh paid a fourth-round premium to move up three spots for Broderick Jones, an athletic but raw tackle. Gonzalez turned out to be the better player in year one — a clear-cut first-team All-Pro rookie season cornerback. However, Jones has upside as a long-term blindside protector, and the trade was modest in cost. Original verdict of "Slight New England Edge" was appropriate but slightly generous to New England. Calling this Even with slight New England advantage is fair.

Denver acquired Duke Dawson and 2020 7th round pick (237th overall subsequently traded, Thakarius Keyes) from New England Patriots for 2020 6th round pick (195th overall, Justin Herron). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Seattle acquired Jacob Hollister from New England Patriots on 2019-04-29, sending 2020 7th round pick (241st overall subsequently traded, Chapelle Russell) in return. From a hindsight view, the Seahawks neither created a defining win nor suffered a major loss here. The important public-facing detail is the actual exchange — Jacob Hollister for 2020 7th round pick (241st overall subsequently traded, Chapelle Russell) — rather than a forced storyline. That makes the row useful for database completeness while keeping it below the major-trade tier.

Minnesota received 2019 5th round pick (162nd overall, Cameron Smith) and 2019 7th round pick (239th overall, Dillon Mitchell) and sent 2019 5th round pick (159th overall, Byron Cowart).

Seattle traded up to #64 in the 2019 draft for WR D.K. Metcalf, sending New England third- and fourth-round picks. Metcalf slipped because of route-running and medical concerns, but Seattle bet on rare size-speed traits and landed a franchise receiver. His first five seasons produced 6,000-plus yards, 48 touchdowns, and multiple Pro Bowls, while New England's return failed to approach that value. The A+ grade is deserved because Seattle paid a mid-round premium and got a true WR1.

Seattle acquired 2018 5th round pick (168th overall, Jamarco Jones) from New England Patriots on 2017-09-02, sending Cassius Marsh in return. The value case for Seattle comes down to the direct asset exchange: 2018 5th round pick (168th overall, Jamarco Jones) for Cassius Marsh. There is no clear evidence of a major downstream swing, so the grade stays modest rather than inflated. For TradeVerdicts, this row matters because it preserves the transaction trail without overstating the long-term Seahawks impact.

Denver acquired 2017 5th round pick (163rd overall subsequently traded, Matt Milano) from New England Patriots for AJ Derby. Denver converted AJ Derby into draft capital, a practical roster-management decision rather than a franchise-shaping swing. The Broncos grade stays at C because the return was useful but limited, while New England Patriots lands at C based on the player value it acquired.

Seattle acquired 2016 5th round pick (147th overall, Quinton Jefferson); 2016 7th round pick (243rd overall, Kenny Lawler) from New England Patriots on 2016-04-30, sending 2016 7th round pick (225th overall, Devin Lucien); 2017 4th round pick (131st overall, Deatrich Wise) in return. The value case for Seattle comes down to the direct asset exchange: 2016 5th round pick (147th overall, Quinton Jefferson); 2016 7th round pick (243rd overall, Kenny Lawler) for 2016 7th round pick (225th overall, Devin Lucien); 2017 4th round pick (131st overall, Deatrich Wise). There is no clear evidence of a major downstream swing, so the grade stays modest rather than inflated. For TradeVerdicts, this row matters because it preserves the transaction trail without overstating the long-term Seahawks impact.

Summary: Jacksonville moved up 12 spots in Round 3 (105th to 93rd) to select C Brandon Linder, giving New England a 6th-round pick (Jon Halapio). Analysis: Linder became a 7-year starter at center for Jacksonville and was one of the anchors of their offensive line. Moving up 12 spots in Round 3 for an extra 6th is a modest cost for a player who started over 80 games. A- grade is fair — Jacksonville got a reliable starter for minimal additional investment.

Minnesota paid a major multi-pick package for Patterson, who was electric but never became the expected complete WR in Minnesota.

Denver acquired 2012 1st round pick (31st overall subsequently traded, Doug Martin) and 2012 4th round pick (126th overall subsequently traded, Jared Crick) from New England Patriots in exchange for 2012 1st round pick (25th overall, Dont'a Hightower). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Seattle sent veteran WR Deion Branch back to New England and turned the return into pick #99, later used on LB K.J. Wright. Wright became the quiet connective tissue of the Legion of Boom defense: a long, smart linebacker who fit the scheme for a decade and topped 1,000 career tackles. Moving Branch made sense for a rebuilding team, but the downstream outcome made the deal far better than a routine veteran sell-off. Seattle converted an aging receiver into a championship-era starter.

The Moss reunion quickly collapsed and cost Minnesota a third-round pick for almost no sustained return.

Denver acquired Laurence Maroney and 2011 6th round pick (189th overall, Mike Mohamed) from New England Patriots for 2011 4th round pick (99th overall subsequently traded, K.J. Wright). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Denver completed a series of 2010 draft-day moves and landed Demaryius Thomas at No. 22, securing a future Pro Bowl receiver and cornerstone of the Peyton Manning-era offense. The Thomas selection showed the upside of Denver's complicated draft maneuvering. While the surrounding pick chain produced mixed results, Thomas became the prize: a size-speed receiver who developed into one of the best wideouts in franchise history and a major part of the Super Bowl 50 roster. This row should cross-reference the broader 2010 first-round trade chain.

Denver acquired Russ Hochstein from New England Patriots for an undisclosed 2009 draft pick. Denver paid draft capital for Russ Hochstein, making this a targeted personnel acquisition instead of a pure pick shuffle. The Broncos grade of C reflects the balance between immediate roster help and the opportunity cost of the pick sent to New England Patriots.

Denver acquired Le Kevin Smith and 2010 7th round pick (231st overall subsequently traded, Selvish Capers) from New England Patriots for 2010 5th round pick (158th overall subsequently traded, Matt Tennant). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Summary: Jacksonville traded a 7th-round pick (Julian Edelman, 232nd) and a future 2010 2nd-round pick (44th overall, later traded as Lamarr Houston) to New England for a 3rd-round pick (Derek Cox, 73rd). Analysis: On the day of the trade, Jacksonville appeared to be moving up from a 7th and 2nd to a 3rd — reasonable-seeming. In hindsight, the 7th became Julian Edelman, one of the most productive receivers in Patriots history and a Super Bowl MVP. The 2nd-round pick (Houston) became a Pro Bowl linebacker. Derek Cox was a serviceable corner but nowhere near the combined value of what Jacksonville sent. This is one of the more quietly disastrous trades in Jaguars history. D grade is correct.

Acquired WR Deion Branch from Patriots for 2007 1st (#24 Brandon Meriweather). Branch played 4 seasons, Super Bowl XL MVP, but never topped 800 yards in Seattle. The trade is best understood as a narrow roster or draft-position move. Seattle acquired Deion Branch and gave up 2007 1st round pick (24th overall, Brandon Meriweather), with the available evidence supporting a D grade rather than a stronger verdict. It should remain in the public database, but the analysis should not pretend it changed the arc of Seahawks history.

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Patrick Cobbs from New England/Boston Patriots for 2007 5th round pick. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while New England/Boston Patriots received comparable value in return.

Denver acquired 2003 4th round pick (128th overall, Bryant McNeal) and 2003 5th round pick (157th overall, Ben Claxton) from New England Patriots for 2003 4th round pick (120th overall, Asante Samuel). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Denver acquired 2002 4th round pick (131st overall, Sam Brandon) and 2002 5th round pick (144th overall, Herb Haygood) from New England Patriots for 2002 4th round pick (117th overall, Rohan Davey). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Minnesota received 2001 3rd round pick (69th overall, Eric Kelly) and sent 2001 3rd round pick (86th overall, Brock Williams) and 2001 4th round pick (119th overall, Jabari Holloway).

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired 2001 2nd round pick (39th overall, Kendrell Bell) from New England/Boston Patriots for 2001 2nd round pick (50th overall subsequently traded, Dominic Raiola) and 2001 4th round pick (112th overall subsequently traded, Carlos Polk). Analysis: This 2001 transaction with New England/Boston Patriots registered as a roughly balanced exchange. Both clubs addressed their stated roster or draft-board priorities without a clear winner emerging from the historical record. The assets involved were comparable in tier and subsequent career value.

Seattle moved down from #17 to #20 in the 1999 first round, passing New England the slot used on OL Damien Woody. New England landed a high-level interior lineman in Woody, while Seattle turned the move into a smaller package that fed into later draft maneuvering. The Seahawks did not collapse the value, but they also missed the best player in the exchange. This is a reasonable but unspectacular trade-down that belongs as major only because it touched first-round roster construction.

Minnesota received Jimmy Hitchcock and sent 1999 3rd round pick (91st overall, Tony George).

Seattle acquired Jon Vaughn from New England Patriots on 1993-08-25, sending 1994 sixth round pick (#168-Max Lane) in return. The value case for Seattle comes down to the direct asset exchange: Jon Vaughn for 1994 sixth round pick (#168-Max Lane). There is no clear evidence of a major downstream swing, so the grade stays modest rather than inflated. For TradeVerdicts, this row matters because it preserves the transaction trail without overstating the long-term Seahawks impact.

Seattle traded two first-round picks (#8, #10) and additional selections to New England to move up to #3 overall, drafting Hall of Fame DT Cortez Kennedy. Kennedy played 11 seasons in Seattle, earned eight Pro Bowl selections, won the 1992 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, and became one of the defining players in franchise history. Kennedy's 1992 Defensive Player of the Year season remains one of the great individual defensive campaigns ever: 14 sacks on a 2-14 team and a signature 35-7 demolition of Miami. New England's return produced no comparable star. The cost was steep, but Seattle landed a franchise icon and Hall of Fame defensive tackle. Winner: Seattle Seahawks, decisively.

Denver acquired 1990 fifth round pick (#111-Jeff Davidson) from New England Patriots for 1991 fourth round pick (#88-Sammy Walker). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Vikings received 1988 eleventh round pick (#296-Norman Floyd); sent 1989 ninth round pick (#247-Curtis Wilson).

Per AP: Vikings acquired rights to Rich Gannon; sent 4th-round (#97-Sammy Martin) and 11th-round pick (#296-Norman Floyd). Contradicts trade 0169 which cites pick #294-Marvin Allen. AP citation makes this the more reliable version, but the discrepancy between the two records must be flagged.

Denver acquired 1985 tenth round pick (#269-Buddy Funck) from New England Patriots for Luke Prestridge. Denver converted Luke Prestridge into draft capital, a practical roster-management decision rather than a franchise-shaping swing. The Broncos grade stays at C because the return was useful but limited, while New England Patriots lands at C based on the player value it acquired.

Seattle acquired Bob Cryder from New England Patriots on 1984-07-31, sending 1985 third round pick or 1986 second round pick (Patriots choice) (1986 #42-Mike Ruth) in return. Seattle's side of this 1984 draft-capital exchange was straightforward: the Seahawks received Bob Cryder and surrendered 1985 third round pick or 1986 second round pick (Patriots choice) (1986 #42-Mike Ruth). The B grade reflects the known return, while New England Patriots's C grade accounts for the countervalue. The trade belongs as a standard database entry because its documented impact was real but not franchise-shaping.

Seattle acquired Horace Ivory from New England Patriots on 1981-09-25, sending 1982 third round pick (#60-Clayton Weishuhn) in return. From a hindsight view, the Seahawks neither created a defining win nor suffered a major loss here. The important public-facing detail is the actual exchange — Horace Ivory for 1982 third round pick (#60-Clayton Weishuhn) — rather than a forced storyline. That makes the row useful for database completeness while keeping it below the major-trade tier.

Vikings received 1981 conditional third round pick (#74-Tim Irwin); sent Chuck Foreman.

Denver acquired Tom Neville / Tommy Neville (Oliver) from New England Patriots for 1979 tenth round pick (#270-Martin Cox). Denver paid draft capital for Tom Neville / Tommy Neville (Oliver), making this a targeted personnel acquisition instead of a pure pick shuffle. The Broncos grade of C reflects the balance between immediate roster help and the opportunity cost of the pick sent to New England Patriots.

Vikings received draft pick (?-?) / future considerations (?); sent Neil Clabo.

Denver acquired conditional draft pick (?-?) from New England Patriots for Mike Burke. Denver converted Mike Burke into draft capital, a practical roster-management decision rather than a franchise-shaping swing. The Broncos grade stays at C because the return was useful but limited, while New England Patriots lands at C based on the player value it acquired.

Vikings received Joe Blahak; sent cash.

Vikings received Doug Dumler; sent 1976 eighth round pick (#235-Stu Betts); 1977 sixth round pick (#166-Reggie Pinkney).

Denver acquired cash from New England Patriots for Larry Cameron. This remains a low-scale transaction built around cash, conditional terms, or incomplete draft compensation. It is retained for trade-history completeness, with conservative grades because the verified long-term impact is limited.

Denver acquired 1974 eighth round pick (?-?) from New England Patriots for Lloyd Voss. Denver converted Lloyd Voss into draft capital, a practical roster-management decision rather than a franchise-shaping swing. The Broncos grade stays at C because the return was useful but limited, while New England Patriots lands at C based on the player value it acquired.

Denver acquired Eric Crabtree from New England Patriots for 1973 seventh round pick (?-?). Denver paid draft capital for Eric Crabtree, making this a targeted personnel acquisition instead of a pure pick shuffle. The Broncos grade of C reflects the balance between immediate roster help and the opportunity cost of the pick sent to New England Patriots.

Denver acquired 1972 13th round pick (?-?) / undisclosed draft pick (?-?) from New England Patriots for Mike Haffner. Denver converted Mike Haffner into draft capital, a practical roster-management decision rather than a franchise-shaping swing. The Broncos grade stays at C because the return was useful but limited, while New England Patriots lands at C based on the player value it acquired.

Denver acquired 1972 sixth round pick (?-?) from New England Patriots for Willis Crenshaw / Willie Crenshaw. Denver converted Willis Crenshaw / Willie Crenshaw into draft capital, a practical roster-management decision rather than a franchise-shaping swing. The Broncos grade stays at C because the return was useful but limited, while New England Patriots lands at C based on the player value it acquired.

Denver sent kicker Charlie Gogolak to New England for a 1971 fourth-round pick that the Broncos used on defensive end Lyle Alzado. Trading a marginal kicker for a mid-round pick is routine, but this one produced Lyle Alzado — a Pro Bowl pass rusher and franchise icon of the 1970s. One of the best late-round return values in early-franchise history.

Denver acquired Jim Whalen from New England Patriots for Tom Beer (John). Denver swapped Tom Beer (John) for Jim Whalen, a direct player-value trade with limited evidence of a major long-term swing. The grades remain modest because the available record supports a useful roster exchange, not a clear franchise-changing win.