Earl Morrall

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired quarterback Bobby Layne from Detroit for Earl Morrall plus a 1959 second-round pick and a 1960 fourth-round pick. Layne energized the Steelers' offense and made multiple Pro Bowls with the franchise before retiring. Analysis: Bobby Layne delivered four productive seasons in Pittsburgh, including multiple Pro Bowl nods, and is credited with transforming the team's competitive identity. Morrall became a reliable backup elsewhere. The 1959 second-round pick (#19, Mike Rabold) was a mid-level guard; the 1960 fourth (#42, Roger Brown) developed into a Pro Bowl defensive tackle for Detroit — a cost Pittsburgh eventually paid. Net-net, Layne's impact in Pittsburgh was genuine and the picks were not premium. Upgrading from C+ / "Detroit Lean" to a slight Pittsburgh edge.

Summary: Pittsburgh sent two future first-round picks and Marv Matuszak to San Francisco in exchange for quarterback Earl Morrall and Mike Sandusky. Analysis: Pittsburgh surrendered enormous draft capital — two first-rounders (#8 in 1958 and #8 in 1959) plus a player — for Earl Morrall, a capable but not elite quarterback. San Francisco used those picks wisely. Morrall was a useful starter in Pittsburgh but did not justify the premium of two first-round selections. This is a clear loss for Pittsburgh, compounded by the subsequent Layne acquisition that further drained resources. Downgraded from C+ to D.