Denver Broncos–Pittsburgh Steelers Trade History

Denver acquired Paul Martha and Sid Williams from Pittsburgh in June 1970, sending Walter Highsmith, Wallace Dickey and a 1971 draft choice whose specific selection cannot be identified from the surviving record. Martha immediately gave Denver meaningful secondary production, including six interceptions in 1970. That direct impact gives the Broncos a narrow edge despite the unresolved identity of the future pick.

Denver Broncos received Bobby Maples in the exchange with Pittsburgh Steelers. Bobby Maples gave Denver seven seasons of regular playing time after the trade, making the veteran acquisition a clear and durable football return. Against Pittsburgh Steelers' return of 1973 sixth round pick (#140-Ron Bell (a)), that result supports a A- grade. The transaction is judged as Denver Broncos Win, with the mark based on the football value that actually followed from the deal.

Denver Broncos: Denver received Rick Sharp, who supplied one limited season and little lasting value for the Broncos. The D grade reflects only value tied directly to this transaction, including production or draft value the club itself controlled. Against Pittsburgh Steelers, that supported return leads to the final verdict of Pittsburgh Steelers Win.

Denver Broncos received John Rowser in the 1974-01-30 exchange with Pittsburgh Steelers. John Rowser became a three-season Denver starter and intercepted nine passes for the Broncos, giving Denver clear direct defensive value. The direct package is the basis for the hindsight grade, with later movement of an acquired selection treated separately. That supports Denver Broncos Win.

Denver acquired veteran cornerback J.T. Thomas from Pittsburgh in August 1982. Thomas appeared in nine games for the Broncos, made one start, and recorded one interception, providing some short-term defensive depth without becoming a major long-term piece. The C grade reflects that limited contribution and matches Pittsburgh's similarly modest outcome from the draft choice it received.

Denver Broncos received 1988 tenth round pick (#268-Channing Williams) in the 1987-08-27 exchange involving Pittsburgh Steelers. Denver used the acquired tenth-round pick on Channing Williams, but Williams never appeared in an NFL regular-season game for the Broncos. That realized return supports a D grade for Denver Broncos. The overall verdict is Pittsburgh Steelers Win, with the grade based on direct value created from this transaction.

Denver traded two third-round picks to Pittsburgh for No. 64 and No. 132, then selected tight end Richard Quinn and guard Seth Olsen. Quinn caught one pass in three Broncos seasons and Olsen never became a Denver starter. Pittsburgh used No. 84 on Mike Wallace, who produced two 1,000-yard seasons and a Pro Bowl nod for the Steelers, making the value gap enormous even before considering Kraig Urbik.

Pittsburgh traded up from No. 20 to No. 10 for linebacker Devin Bush, sending Denver pick No. 52 and a 2020 third-rounder as part of the price. Denver selected Noah Fant at No. 20 and later turned the additional capital into more roster value, including center Lloyd Cushenberry. Bush flashed early but never regained his trajectory after a 2020 knee injury, giving Denver the stronger package.

Denver traded linebacker Malik Reed and a 2023 seventh-round pick to Pittsburgh for a 2023 sixth-round selection. The Steelers used the seventh on Cory Trice, while Denver's incoming sixth later moved through another deal and became tied to A.T. Perry. Reed spent one season in Pittsburgh and did not become a long-term starter there. Denver's ability to turn a departing depth defender into the higher draft asset gives the Broncos a slight edge.