5 NFL QBs who demanded to be traded by their team ft. Brett Favre
It's extremely rare for great NFL quarterbacks to spend their entire careers with just one team. This is especially true with the modern format of free agency. Most quarterbacks want to test the free agent market at least once during their careers to maximize the value of their contracts. This has contributed to most quarterbacks changing teams at some point in their careers.
Trades are another way that quarterbacks may experience a team swap. Their current team may trade them if they are dissatisfied with their performances or are looking to acquire capital during a rebuilding phase, among other situations.
Other times, quarterbacks may demand a trade themselves because they are unhappy with their place in their current organization.
Here are five such examples.
#1 - Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson demanded a trade from the Houston Texans during the 2020 offseason after becoming unhappy with the long-term contract negotiations. He ended up sitting out for the entire 2021 NFL season while also dealing with a legal situation off the field.
He was eventually traded to the Cleveland Browns before the start of the 2022 NFL season. He signed a massive contract extension worth $230 million in guaranteed money before serving an 11-game suspension.
#2 - Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer began his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. He reportedly became unhappy with the franchise's efforts to build a competitive team around him and demanded to be traded during the 2011 NFL offseason.
The Bengals initially refused, and Palmer threatened to retire, claiming he would never play for them again. The Bengals eventually gave in and traded him to the Oakland Raiders.
#3 - Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns. His performances were inconsistent, but he sought a long-term contract to become their franchise quarterback. The Browns went a different direction, acquiring Deshaun Watson instead.
Mayfield was frustrated with the Browns' decision and demanded a trade. They granted his wish, shipping him to the Carolina Panthers.
#4 - Brett Favre
Brett Favre had one of the most notorious exits in NFL history when he departed from the Green Bay Packers. He announced his retirement during the 2008 NFL offseason, and the Packers proceeded to name Aaron Rodgers their starting quarterback.
Favre changed his mind a few weeks later, but the Packers decided they would stick with Rodgers as their starter.
Favre became angry with the franchise for not giving him his job back and demanded to be traded. He attempted to force his way onto the Minnesota Vikings, but the Packers traded him to the New York Jets instead. He ended up joining the Vikings two years later during free agency.
#5 - Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan spent his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons before the 2022 NFL season. He established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in franchise history.
The Falcons reportedly made an aggressive effort to acquire Deshaun Watson during the 2022 off-season. Ryan was frustrated with their attempt to replace him and demanded a trade. They granted his wish, sending him to the Indianapolis Colts shortly after.