The Raiders have never been afraid of making aggressive trades for superstars. While a few of those moves haven’t worked out recently, they do have a history of “stealing” some elite talent via trades.
Today, we are looking at three of their best trades in the franchise’s history. So without further ado, let’s get to the deals.
1. CB Wille Brown for Rex Mirich and a third-round pick (Broncos)
Arguably the best trade in franchise history for the Raiders was acquiring cornerback Willie Brown from the division rival Broncos. Brown was already an established cornerback in the NFL, making two Pro Bowls with Denver. But his career really didn’t take off until joining the Raiders in 1967.
The Raiders didn’t give up much to acquire Brown, surrounding only a third-round pick and journeyman defensive tackle Rex Mirich. Brown would go on to make seven straight Pro Bowls for the Raiders as he started 140 games in his Oakland career.
Brown was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984 after playing 16 seasons in the NFL. He is widely considered one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history with 54 interceptions to his name, 39 with the Raiders. Not bad for a player who was moved for an average defensive tackle and a mid-round pick.
2. CB Mike Haynes for a first and second-round pick (Patriots)
The Raiders have a pretty good history of trading for future Hall of Fame defensive backs. This time, they trade a first and second-round pick for Pro Bowl cornerback Mike Haynes, who had a stellar career with the Patriots. Before being traded, Haynes 86 games for New England, making five-straight Pro Bowls to begin his career.
Once they acquired Haynes, they were able to pair him with another All-Pro defensive back in Lester Hayes. Together, they were arguably the best cornerback duo in NFL history as both players thrived in taking the ball away. From 1983-1986, the two combined for 21 interceptions as they were the biggest reason the team won the Super Bowl in 1983.
Haynes would retire after the 1989 season after starting 158 games in the NFL. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997 and, like Willie Brown, is considered one of the great cornerbacks in NFL history.
3. LB Ted Hendricks for two first-round picks (Packers)
Before he became one of the faces of the Raiders’ franchise, Ted Hendricks spent the first six years of his career with the Colts and Packers. In his only season with the Packers (1974), Hendricks was named a first-team All-Pro after starting 14 games, recording five interceptions and blocking an incredible seven kicks.
During the next offseason, Al Davis traded two first-round picks to the Packers for the All-Pro linebacker and it proved to be a wise move. Hendricks would go on to start 122 games for the Raiders, making four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams.
Hendricks ended up being one of the most important defenders for the Raiders during their three Super Bowl wins in 1976, 1980, and 1983. Hendricks retired after the 1983 season and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.
