Trade debate: Why do teams trade stars for picks?

Published: May 05, 2009 at 12:40 PM

Trading Pro Bowl caliber players for draft picks is a risky proposition. While it has proven to work at times in the past, it is far from a sure thing.

This year, three such players (Jay Cutler, Jason Peters and Tony Gonzalez) were dealt for draft choices.

NFL.com analyst Pat Kirwan, a former front office executive with the Jets, explains why a team would be willing to move a star player and NFL.com analyst Gil Brandt, a former front office executive with the Cowboys, goes through why a team would be willing to part with its draft picks in order to acquire such a player.

Read their take and then enter the discussion below.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

news

NFC West race: 49ers, Cardinals, Rams or Seahawks to finish on top? Plus, Vic Fangio's impact on Eagles

In this edition of the Scout's Notebook, Bucky Brooks handicaps the four-team race in the NFC West. Who will finish on top? Are the 49ers suddenly the division's biggest underdogs? Plus, a look at Vic Fangio's immense impact on the Eagles' surging defense.

news

Niners QB Brock Purdy (shoulder) ruled out Sunday vs. Packers; Brandon Allen to start

Brocky Purdy's shoulder soreness is serious enough to keep him out of a massive Week 12 showdown. Purdy has been ruled out for the San Francisco 49ers' game Sunday against the host Green Bay Packers

news

Fantasy football: Ten players who'll out/underperform projections in NFL Week 12

How does rookie QB Bo Nix follow up his four-touchdown gem? Will Tyreek Hill finally do Tyreek Hill things? Michelle Magdziuk and Matt Okada predict whether 10 noteworthy players will go higher or lower than their Week 12 fantasy projections.

news

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) ruled out for Sunday night game vs. Rams

At 8-2, the Eagles are in a tight race for the top seed in the NFC. They will have to take on their next opponent without a key weapon. Receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was ruled out of Sunday night's game.