Atlanta Falcons–Cleveland Browns Trade History

Atlanta acquired Charley Scales from Cleveland for the 1967 fourth-round pick that became Carl Ward. Scales gave the Falcons only a short-term backfield option, while Ward appeared in 28 games for Cleveland across 1967 and 1968. Neither side found a major starter, but the Browns extracted the longer and more durable return, giving Cleveland the slight hindsight edge.

Atlanta acquired veteran halfback Charley Scales from Cleveland on August 24, 1966 for its 1967 fourth-round pick. Scales appeared in five games for the expansion Falcons, rushing 10 times for 38 yards, catching three passes for 16 yards and returning five kickoffs for 101 yards.

Atlanta acquired Arthur “Archie” Roberts from Cleveland on August 9, 1967 for a conditional draft choice tied to Roberts making the Falcons roster. Arthur Roberts and Archie Roberts are the same player, not two separate acquisitions. Atlanta released Roberts on August 22, and the condition did not produce a conveyed pick, leaving little realized value on either side.

Atlanta acquired defensive end Ron East from Cleveland for the 1977 seventh-round choice later used on Ken Randle. East's Falcons tenure was limited and included only one start, but he at least reached the field for Atlanta. Because Randle never appeared in an NFL game, that modest contribution gives the Falcons the better realized return and supports a C+ grade.

Atlanta Falcons Atlanta received an undisclosed draft choice whose exact selection remains unidentified. The existence of the draft compensation is supported, but the unresolved downstream identity limits how much value can be credited to Atlanta. The supported hindsight grade is C-. That mark weighs only value tied directly to this transaction and keeps the result proportional to the deal's cost. Against Cleveland Browns, the final verdict is Even Trade.

Atlanta sent the No. 10 pick in the 1995 draft to Cleveland for Eric Metcalf and pick No. 26. Metcalf brought established versatility, and Atlanta used No. 26 on Devin Bush, who developed into a multi-year starter. Cleveland converted the premium selection into additional draft opportunities, but its resulting player returns did not match the immediate and sustained value Atlanta received.

Atlanta Falcons received Chris Crocker in the exchange with Cleveland Browns. Its C grade reflects the practical value of that return relative to the package surrendered and the hindsight result. The grade remains tied to documented value for the acquiring club, without assigning credit for unresolved or hypothetical downstream consideration.

Atlanta paid Cleveland five draft choices to move from No. 27 to No. 6 in 2011 and select Julio Jones. The price was enormous, but Jones became a franchise icon, seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro who helped Atlanta reach Super Bowl LI. Cleveland turned the package into several players and additional moves, but none approached Jones's impact. The Falcons' aggressive bet delivered a true superstar and ultimately wins the trade.

Cleveland acquired linebacker Deion Jones and a 2024 seventh-round pick from Atlanta for a 2024 sixth. Jones played 11 games with five starts in 2022, recording 44 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble while injuries hit Cleveland's linebacker room. Atlanta used pick No. 197 on Zion Logue, who was waived before the 2024 regular season. Cleveland received the more useful football return, though the stakes were modest.