TradeVerdicts connects Earl Morrall to 4 exact
public NFL transactions involving Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, and New York Giants.
Every transaction below comes from an explicit player-to-trade
relationship in the TradeVerdicts database. Name-only substring
matching is not used.
The cards summarize the date, teams, assets, grades, and verdict.
Open the full trade page for the complete analysis and sourcing
context. Grading standards are explained in the
TradeVerdicts methodology.
Chronological Timeline
4 Recorded Trades
Oldest to newest
Trade 1 of 4
Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers Win Tier: major
Confidence: high
Pittsburgh acquired quarterback Earl Morrall and guard Mike Sandusky from San Francisco on September 16, 1957, for linebacker Marv Matuszak and first-round picks in both 1958 and 1959. Morrall started 13 games during roughly a season and a half with the Steelers before being moved again. San Francisco therefore received the stronger direct package, even though its draft choices did not become enduring stars.
Pittsburgh Steelers Win Tier: landmark
Confidence: high
Pittsburgh acquired Hall of Fame quarterback Bobby Layne from Detroit for Earl Morrall, a 1959 second-round pick, and a 1960 fourth-round pick. Layne gave the Steelers credibility, production, and a different competitive identity in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Detroit did receive value, including Roger Brown, but the Lions moved a franchise icon and watched Pittsburgh get the player who defined the trade's legacy.
Indianapolis/Baltimore Colts Win Tier: minor
Confidence: medium
New York Giants received undisclosed consideration, Charlie Johnson, Barry Brown and "high draft choice" (not exercised) (replaced by George Wilson / Butch Wilson on 09-02) from Indianapolis/Baltimore Colts for undisclosed consideration, undisclosed terms (details not specified in source record), Henry Carr and Earl Morrall. The recorded outcome favors Indianapolis/Baltimore Colts.
Indianapolis Colts Win Tier: major
Confidence: high
Baltimore acquired Earl Morrall from the Giants in August 1968, with tight end Butch Wilson becoming the final return to New York. Morrall immediately replaced an injured Johnny Unitas, led the Colts to a 13-1 record and won NFL MVP honors before helping the franchise win Super Bowl V two years later. Wilson never approached that impact, making Baltimore the overwhelming winner.
