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Greatest trade for every NFL team in history

Quarterback John Elway #7 raises his hands in victory after he is pulled from the game in the final seconds of the Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXXIII victory over the Atlanta Falcons 34-19 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida, January 31, 1999. This would be John Elway's last football game of his career. (Photo by E. Bakke/Getty Images)
Quarterback John Elway #7 raises his hands in victory after he is pulled from the game in the final seconds of the Denver Broncos Super Bowl XXXIII victory over the Atlanta Falcons 34-19 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida, January 31, 1999. This would be John Elway's last football game of his career. (Photo by E. Bakke/Getty Images)
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SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 25: Brett Favre #4 of the Green Bay Packers drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXXII on January 25, 1998 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Broncos won the Super Bowl 31-24. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – JANUARY 25: Brett Favre #4 of the Green Bay Packers drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXXII on January 25, 1998 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Broncos won the Super Bowl 31-24. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

There have been a few trades in the history of the NFL that have changed the franchises involved forever. Here is the best trade ever made by each NFL team.

One great trade can change the course of an NFL franchise forever. Conversely, one incredibly dumb trade can set a franchise back years. Whether it’s a franchise quarterback or a slew of draft picks going from one team to another, some trades will always be remembered.

Throughout history, teams have been made up mostly of players they never drafted. The Panthers’ star tight end was picked by the Chicago Bears, and went to Carolina via trade. Everywhere you look on the football field, you can see players who arrive at their teams via trade.

In some cases, those trades have an impact that last long after the player has hung up his cleats for good. In this slideshow, we take a look at the single greatest trade for every team in the NFL. The list includes Hall of Famers, franchise players and leaders who went on to take their new organization to the Super Bowl.

These trades not only show how great one team made out, but also how much their trade partners lost. The ramifications of some of these trades can still be felt today, while some teams have moved on.

Here is every NFL team’s greatest ever trade.

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