NFL: The best trade in each franchise’s history

Best trade in Cincinnati Bengals history: Acquiring James Brooks

Going into the 1984 season the San Diego Chargers had a decision to make. Running back James Brooks was putting up video game-type numbers, but for whatever reason, the Chargers appeared more interested in throwing the ball instead of handing it off to Brooks.

Despite the limited touches, Brooks led the league in all-purpose yards in 1981 and 1982. Rather than pay their 25-year-old, the Chargers decided to swap out one back for another. Bengals running back Pete Johnson believed he should be paid more and a stalemate between both sides ensued.

Instead of working things out, the Bengals decided the best choice for them was to simply switch backs with the Chargers. From there, the Bengals were left apoplectic as Johnson had nothing left in the tank and would last only one year in the league. As for Brooks, he turned into a monster.

Brooks went from being good to being great. On three separate occasions, Brooks would crack a thousand yards on the ground, including a career-high 1,239 yards in 1989. The Pro Bowl snubs were a thing of the past as Brooks was a constant fixture in the big game, making four in total. He would ultimately help the hapless Bengals reach the Super Bowl in 1988.

With nearly a decade of success under his belt in his new home in Cincinnati, the Bengals couldn’t have been happier with how things turned out. Pair that with the dismal production Johnson provided his new team and this trade was a win-win for the Bengals.