Seattle turned former first-round linebacker Aaron Curry into…
Seattle turned former first-round linebacker Aaron Curry into two future draft choices, then used them on J.R. Sweezy and Tharold Simon. Sweezy developed from a converted defensive lineman into a long-term starting guard and a Super Bowl champion, while Curry lasted only briefly in Oakland. That conversion gives the Seahawks one of the stronger low-cost exits from a disappointing former top pick.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player Aaron Curry
Seattle Seahawks Received
- pick 2012 7th round pick (225th overall, J.R. Sweezy)
- pick 2013 5th round pick (138th overall, Tharold Simon)
Trade Analysis
Why Oakland Took the Chance
The Raiders acquired Aaron Curry in October 2011, sending Seattle a 2012 seventh-round pick and a conditional 2013 fifth-rounder. Curry still carried the pedigree of the fourth overall pick in 2009, and Oakland was betting that a new defense could unlock the athleticism that had not translated consistently with the Seahawks.
What Seattle Received
Seattle eventually used the two selections on J.R. Sweezy and Tharold Simon. Simon provided some secondary depth, but Sweezy transformed the deal. Drafted 225th overall as a defensive lineman, he converted to guard and became a regular starter. He started 104 games across his NFL career, including multiple seasons in Seattle, and was part of the Seahawks team that won Super Bowl XLVIII.
How Curry's Raiders Tenure Compared
Curry immediately entered Oakland's lineup and started nine games in 2011, but the revival never lasted. Injuries and inconsistent play limited his time, and his Raiders stint ended during the following season. The player Oakland acquired therefore produced only short-term defensive value, while Seattle turned two late choices into a long-term starting lineman and an additional defensive contributor.
Why This Trade Still Matters
Seattle's front office became known for finding unusual value outside the early rounds, and Sweezy is an excellent example. The Seahawks did not merely dump a disappointing contract; they recovered future capital and converted one of those selections into a starter at a completely different position.
Final Verdict
Seattle Seahawks Win. Sweezy's longevity and championship-era role push Seattle to an A. Oakland receives a D+ because Curry gave the Raiders some immediate snaps but nowhere near enough value to match the two-player return Seattle created.