A Look Back at Recent Top 5 Picks Who Were Traded Before the End of Their Rookie Deal

In recent NFL history, the trade of top-five picks before the end of their rookie deals is a relatively rare occurrence. However, one such recent example is the trade involving Marvin Harrison Jr. from the Cardinals. It's worth looking back at other recent trades that involved top-five picks traded before the end of their rookie deals and the outcomes for each team involved.

The third pick in the 2023 NFL draft, cornerback Jeff Okudah, was acquired by the Falcons from the Lions. Okudah played in just ten games over his first two seasons due to injuries before being traded to Atlanta. Despite playing well in Atlanta, he struggled with injuries and played in 12 games combined with Houston and Minnesota over the next two seasons.

Overall, Okudah has played in just 50 games and started 31 over six seasons. The trade didn't provide any significant benefits to either team, with the Falcons taking a risk on a fifth-round pick that didn't pay off and the Lions using that pick to select Brian Branch, who has since made a Pro-Bowl and become a key member of the Lions' secondary. The trade appears to be a wash for both teams.

In contrast, the trade involving Baker Mayfield is quite different. In 2022, the Panthers acquired Mayfield from the Browns in exchange for a conditional 2024 fourth or fifth-round pick. Mayfield's career has been impressive since then, and he recently signed a new extension with Tampa Bay. While the Browns traded away their top pick, Mayfield's success with Tampa Bay has made this trade appear to be an example of giving up on a top-five pick too early.

The Browns, on the other hand, have been burdened by the massive contract they signed with Deshaun Watson, which has cost them dearly for years. This trade might have been a mistake for the Browns, who are now working to get out from under Watson's contract.