The movement of high-profile NFL players from one team to another has long been a game-changer, altering the league’s competitive balance and reshaping the futures of both the players and the franchises they leave behind. While some stars make the jump in search of a championship, others prioritize personal success, financial security, or a fresh start with a new organization.
This list takes a closer look at the players who walked away from one team’s legacy to pursue new opportunities elsewhere. Whether driven by massive contracts, a desire for a bigger role, or simply a change of scenery, these moves highlight the complex decision-making process that comes with being an elite athlete. The balance between chasing financial rewards and cementing a legacy in one place is never easy, and these players made choices that left fans debating whether they gained or lost in the long run.
15. Stephon Gilmore’s Patriots Exit for Panthers
Stephon Gilmore, the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, left the New England Patriots dynasty in 2021 for the Carolina Panthers. Seeking a more lucrative contract, Gilmore was traded after failing to reach an agreement with the Patriots. The move ended his successful four-year stint in New England, which included a Super Bowl victory.
14. Earl Thomas Ends Seahawks Legacy for Ravens
Earl Thomas, a key member of Seattle’s “Legion of Boom,” left the Seahawks in 2019 for a four-year, $55 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens. Despite his stellar career in Seattle, including a Super Bowl win, Thomas chose financial security over continuing with a potential dynasty. His Ravens tenure was short-lived, ending after just one season due to conduct issues.
13. Khalil Mack’s Departure from Raiders to Bears
Khalil Mack, the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, left the Raiders for the Bears in 2018. The move netted him a record-breaking six-year, $141 million contract. While the Bears gained an elite pass rusher, Mack missed out on the Raiders’ resurgence under Josh McDaniels, potentially sacrificing long-term success for immediate financial gain.
12. Landon Collins Leaves Giants for Rival Washington
Landon Collins, a three-time Pro Bowl safety, shocked fans by leaving the New York Giants for their NFC East rival Washington in 2019. He signed a six-year, $84 million contract, making him the highest-paid safety at the time. Collins later admitted he was “heartbroken” to leave the Giants but felt undervalued by the organization.
11. Tyrann Mathieu’s Brief Texans Tenure
Tyrann Mathieu signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Houston Texans in 2018, turning down a longer-term offer from the Arizona Cardinals. After a solid season in Houston, Mathieu secured a lucrative three-year, $42 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won a Super Bowl in 2020.
10. Jamal Adams Forces Trade to Seahawks
In 2020, All-Pro safety Jamal Adams forced a trade from the Jets to the Seahawks, who gave up two first-round picks. Seattle then signed Adams to a $70 million contract. The move backfired, as injuries limited Adams to just 34 games over 4 seasons before his release in 2024.
9. Chandler Jones Departs Patriots for Cardinals
Chandler Jones left the New England Patriots dynasty in 2016, joining the Arizona Cardinals for a lucrative five-year, $82.5 million contract. The move paid off for Jones, who became one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, recording 60 sacks in four seasons with Arizona. Meanwhile, the Patriots won another Super Bowl the following year without him.
8. DeAndre Hopkins’ Surprising Trade to Cardinals
In a shocking 2020 move, the Houston Texans traded star receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals. The Texans received running back David Johnson and draft picks in return. This trade marked the end of Hopkins’ tenure with a potential dynasty in Houston, as he sought a more lucrative contract elsewhere. The move stunned fans and analysts alike, showcasing the business side of the NFL.
7. Trent Williams’ Washington Exodus
Trent Williams, a seven-time Pro Bowl tackle, ended his tenure with Washington in 2020 after a dispute over medical treatment and contract issues. Despite the team’s potential, Williams chose to prioritize his health and financial security, leading to a trade to the San Francisco 49ers where he continues to excel.
6. Ndamukong Suh Leaves Lions for Dolphins
In 2015, Ndamukong Suh left the Detroit Lions for a record-breaking six-year, $114 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. This deal made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history at the time. Despite the Lions’ competitive offer, Suh chose the Dolphins’ more lucrative deal, prioritizing financial gain over potential team success.
5. Antonio Brown’s Raiders Debacle
Antonio Brown’s brief stint with the Raiders in 2019 was a disaster. After signing a $50 million contract, Brown missed practices due to frostbitten feet and helmet disputes. He clashed with GM Mike Mayock, was fined, and requested release. The Raiders cut him before he played a single game.
4. Odell Beckham Jr.’s Cleveland Experiment
Odell Beckham Jr.’s move to the Cleveland Browns in 2019 was highly anticipated but ultimately unsuccessful. The star receiver’s tenure with the Browns was marred by injuries and inconsistent performance, leading to his release in 2021. This experiment ended Beckham’s chance at building a dynasty with the New York Giants.
3. Kirk Cousins Chooses Vikings Over Stability
Kirk Cousins left the Washington Commanders in 2018, signing a fully guaranteed $84 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Despite the Vikings’ potential, Cousins’ tenure yielded only one playoff win. In 2024, he signed a $180 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, continuing his pursuit of both financial security and on-field success.
Read More: These 15 NBA Stars Cashed In Big Instead of Chasing Glory
2. Le’Veon Bell’s Jets Gamble
Le’Veon Bell left the Pittsburgh Steelers’ dynasty potential for a lucrative $52.5 million contract with the New York Jets in 2019. The move backfired as Bell struggled in New York, playing only 17 games before being released. His Jets stint yielded just 863 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, a far cry from his Steelers production.
Read More: The 18 Most Questionable Trades in Sports History
1. Tom Brady’s Brief Buccaneers Stint
Tom Brady shocked the NFL world by leaving the Patriots dynasty for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. His two-year, $50 million deal paid off immediately, as he led the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory in his first season. Brady’s brief stint revitalized the franchise before his retirement in 2023.
Read More: Ranking the Worst Draft Picks in the History of the NFL
