Detroit Lions

Summary: Jacksonville acquired Tim Patrick from Detroit for a 2026 6th-round pick. Analysis: Patrick gave Jacksonville veteran receiver depth, but sending a sixth for an aging receiver profile keeps the grade modest. The move is more situational patch than long-term value.

Denver acquired 2025 2nd round pick (60th overall, RJ Harvey) and 2025 4th round pick (130th overall subsequently traded, Malachi Moore) from Detroit Lions in exchange for 2025 2nd round pick (57th overall, Tate Ratledge) and 2025 7th round pick (230th overall, Dan Jackson). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Summary: Jacksonville moved down from pick 70 to pick 102 while adding two future third-round picks from Detroit. Analysis: This is a classic delayed-value trade. The Jaguars sacrificed immediate draft position but added two future Day 2 assets, making the final grade dependent on how those future picks develop.

Summary: Jacksonville acquired 2026 7th round pick (233rd overall, Zach Durfee) from Detroit Lions for Riley Patterson. Analysis: Jacksonville converted a roster piece into draft capital. The return was modest, but the move created usable asset value.

Denver acquired 2023 2nd round pick (63rd overall, Marvin Mims) and 2023 6th round pick (183rd overall, JL Skinner) from Detroit Lions in exchange for 2023 3rd round pick (68th overall, Hendon Hooker) and 2023 5th round pick (139th overall subsequently traded, Clayton Tune). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Minnesota paid meaningful picks but acquired a top tight end in his prime who immediately upgraded the offense.

Minnesota traded far down with a division rival and the return produced little early value, with Lewis Cine failing to become a core player.

Denver acquired 2022 5th round pick (145th overall subsequently traded, Darian Kinnard) and a conditional 2022 pick (7th round; not conveyed) from Detroit Lions for Trinity Benson and 2023 6th round pick (183rd overall subsequently traded, JL Skinner). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Minnesota received 2019 3rd round pick (88th overall subsequently traded, Cody Barton) and 2019 6th round pick (204th overall subsequently traded, Travis Homer) and sent 2019 3rd round pick (81st overall, Will Harris).

Seattle acquired Mohammed Seisay from Detroit Lions on 2015-08-02, sending 2016 6th round pick (202nd overall, Anthony Zettel) in return. The value case for Seattle comes down to the direct asset exchange: Mohammed Seisay for 2016 6th round pick (202nd overall, Anthony Zettel). There is no clear evidence of a major downstream swing, so the grade stays modest rather than inflated. For TradeVerdicts, this row matters because it preserves the transaction trail without overstating the long-term Seahawks impact.

Minnesota moved down and still drafted Danielle Hunter, one of the best value picks in modern franchise history.

Denver acquired 2015 1st round pick (23rd overall, Shane Ray) from Detroit Lions in exchange for Manuel Ramirez, 2015 1st round pick (28th overall, Laken Tomlinson), 2015 5th round pick (143rd overall subsequently traded, MyCole Pruitt) and 2016 5th round pick (169th overall, Antwione Williams). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Seattle acquired 2014 2nd round pick (45th overall, Paul Richardson), 2014 4th round pick (111th overall subsequently traded, Russell Bodine); 2014 7th round pick (227th overall, Kiero Small) from Detroit Lions on 2014-05-09, sending 2014 2nd round pick (40th overall, Kyle Van Noy); 2014 5th round pick (146th overall subsequently traded, Devin Street) in return. Seattle's side of this 2014 draft-capital exchange was straightforward: the Seahawks received 2014 2nd round pick (45th overall, Paul Richardson), 2014 4th round pick (111th overall subsequently traded, Russell Bodine); 2014 7th round pick (227th overall, Kiero Small) and surrendered 2014 2nd round pick (40th overall, Kyle Van Noy); 2014 5th round pick (146th overall subsequently traded, Devin Street). The C grade reflects the known return, while Detroit Lions's C grade accounts for the countervalue. The trade belongs as a minor database entry because its documented impact was real but not franchise-shaping.

Seattle acquired 2013 5th round pick (137th overall, Jesse Williams) from Detroit Lions on 2013-04-27, sending 2013 5th round pick (165th overall, Sam Martin); 2013 6th round pick (199th overall, Theo Riddick) in return. The value case for Seattle comes down to the direct asset exchange: 2013 5th round pick (137th overall, Jesse Williams) for 2013 5th round pick (165th overall, Sam Martin); 2013 6th round pick (199th overall, Theo Riddick). There is no clear evidence of a major downstream swing, so the grade stays modest rather than inflated. For TradeVerdicts, this row matters because it preserves the transaction trail without overstating the long-term Seahawks impact.

Summary: Jacksonville acquired 2014 5th round pick (150th overall subsequently traded, Aaron Lynch) from Detroit Lions for Mike Thomas. Analysis: Jacksonville converted a roster piece into draft capital. The return was modest, but the move created usable asset value.

Minnesota received 2012 7th round pick (219th overall, Trevor Guyton) and 2013 4th round pick (102nd overall subsequently traded, Josh Boyce) and sent 2012 5th round pick (138th overall, Tahir Whitehead) and 2012 7th round pick (223rd overall, Travis Lewis).

Seattle’s move down with Detroit helped produce Richard Sherman, a Hall-of-Fame-level corner and Legion of Boom centerpiece. Seattle's move down with Detroit ultimately helped produce Richard Sherman, a fifth-round corner who became a four-time All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, and the defining voice of the Legion of Boom. His tip of Colin Kaepernick's pass in the 2013 NFC Championship and the postgame 'best corner' moment became modern NFL lore. Winner: Seattle Seahawks, monumentally.

Seattle acquired Tyler Polumbus from Detroit Lions on 2010-08-31, sending 2012 7th round pick (219th overall, Trevor Guyton) in return. Seattle's side of this 2010 draft-capital exchange was straightforward: the Seahawks received Tyler Polumbus and surrendered 2012 7th round pick (219th overall, Trevor Guyton). The B grade reflects the known return, while Detroit Lions's C grade accounts for the countervalue. The trade belongs as a standard database entry because its documented impact was real but not franchise-shaping.

Seattle acquired 2011 6th round pick (173rd overall, Byron Maxwell) from Detroit Lions on 2010-08-18, sending Lawrence Jackson in return. The trade is best understood as a narrow roster or draft-position move. Seattle acquired 2011 6th round pick (173rd overall, Byron Maxwell) and gave up Lawrence Jackson, with the available evidence supporting a C+ grade rather than a stronger verdict. It should remain in the public database, but the analysis should not pretend it changed the arc of Seahawks history.

Minnesota traded down and still landed Chris Cook, Everson Griffen, and extra value, with Griffen becoming the prize.

Seattle’s Rob Sims deal produced the pick used on Kam Chancellor, a franchise-changing defensive leader. The Rob Sims deal turned a solid veteran guard into the 5th-round pick used on Kam Chancellor. Sims gave Detroit competent starting play, but Chancellor became the tone-setter of the Legion of Boom, a four-time Pro Bowler, and the emotional core of Seattle's Super Bowl defense. Winner: Seattle Seahawks.

Summary: Jacksonville acquired Gerald Alexander from Detroit Lions for Dennis Northcutt. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange. Jacksonville addressed a roster or draft-board preference, while the partner received comparable value in return.

Denver acquired 2009 6th round pick (174th overall, Tom Brandstater) from Detroit Lions for 2009 7th round pick (235th overall, Zack Follett) and 2010 5th round pick (146th overall subsequently traded, Cam Thomas). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Seattle acquired Cory Redding; 2009 5th round pick (137th overall subsequently traded, Jason Phillips) from Detroit Lions on 2009-03-16, sending Julian Peterson in return. From a hindsight view, the Seahawks neither created a defining win nor suffered a major loss here. The important public-facing detail is the actual exchange — Cory Redding; 2009 5th round pick (137th overall subsequently traded, Jason Phillips) for Julian Peterson — rather than a forced storyline. That makes the row useful for database completeness while keeping it below the major-trade tier.

Denver acquired Dre' Bly and 2007 6th round pick (176th overall subsequently traded, Rufus Alexander) from Detroit Lions for Tatum Bell, George Foster and 2007 5th round pick (158th overall, Johnny Baldwin). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Seattle moved from #17 to #21 in the 1996 draft, adding a third-round pick while still landing OL Pete Kendall. Kendall became a useful long-term offensive lineman, which keeps this from being a simple trade-down footnote. The extra third-round value helped soften the cost of moving down, and Seattle still came away with a multi-year starter. This is a solid B-level draft maneuver: not franchise-defining, but a practical piece of line-building.

Denver acquired 1996 2nd round pick (55th overall subsequently traded, DeRon Jenkins) and 1996 7th round pick (236th overall, Brian Gragert) from Detroit Lions in exchange for Glyn Milburn. Denver converted Glyn Milburn into draft capital, a practical roster-management decision rather than a franchise-shaping swing. The Broncos grade stays at C because the return was useful but limited, while Detroit Lions lands at C based on the player value it acquired.

Seattle acquired Reggie Barrett from Detroit Lions on 1994-04-28, sending 1995 5th round pick (141st overall, Stephen Boyd) in return. From a hindsight view, the Seahawks neither created a defining win nor suffered a major loss here. The important public-facing detail is the actual exchange — Reggie Barrett for 1995 5th round pick (141st overall, Stephen Boyd) — rather than a forced storyline. That makes the row useful for database completeness while keeping it below the major-trade tier.

Denver acquired Harvey Salem from Detroit Lions in exchange for 1992 third round pick (#81-Thomas McLemore). Denver paid draft capital for Harvey Salem, making this a targeted personnel acquisition instead of a pure pick shuffle. The Broncos grade of C reflects the balance between immediate roster help and the opportunity cost of the pick sent to Detroit Lions.

Seattle acquired John Ford (b) from Detroit Lions on 1990-08-26, sending undisclosed conditional pick (?-?) in return. The value case for Seattle comes down to the direct asset exchange: John Ford (b) for undisclosed conditional pick (?-?). There is no clear evidence of a major downstream swing, so the grade stays modest rather than inflated. For TradeVerdicts, this row matters because it preserves the transaction trail without overstating the long-term Seahawks impact.

Seattle acquired James Jones (Roosevelt) from Detroit Lions on 1989-08-31, sending Terry Taylor in return. From a hindsight view, the Seahawks neither created a defining win nor suffered a major loss here. The important public-facing detail is the actual exchange — James Jones (Roosevelt) for Terry Taylor — rather than a forced storyline. That makes the row useful for database completeness while keeping it below the major-trade tier.

Seattle acquired Curt Singer from Detroit Lions on 1989-07-28, sending conditional draft pick (not exercised?) in return. The value case for Seattle comes down to the direct asset exchange: Curt Singer for conditional draft pick (not exercised?). There is no clear evidence of a major downstream swing, so the grade stays modest rather than inflated. For TradeVerdicts, this row matters because it preserves the transaction trail without overstating the long-term Seahawks impact.

Denver acquired rights to Kip Corrington from Detroit Lions for ninth round conditional pick (?-?). Denver paid draft capital for rights to Kip Corrington, making this a targeted personnel acquisition instead of a pure pick shuffle. The Broncos grade of C reflects the balance between immediate roster help and the opportunity cost of the pick sent to Detroit Lions.

Seattle acquired 1987 fifth round pick (#119-Tommie Agee) from Detroit Lions on 1986-09-01, sending Shelton Robinson in return. The trade is best understood as a narrow roster or draft-position move. Seattle acquired 1987 fifth round pick (#119-Tommie Agee) and gave up Shelton Robinson, with the available evidence supporting a C+ grade rather than a stronger verdict. It should remain in the public database, but the analysis should not pretend it changed the arc of Seahawks history.

Denver acquired 1981 twelfth round pick (probably #321-Mandel Robinson); past considerations from earlier Mike Montler trade from Detroit Lions for 1980 eighth round pick (#196-Ken Walter). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.

Seattle acquired past considerations (?) from Detroit Lions on 1979-04-16, sending Gordon Jolley in return. Seattle's side of this 1979 player-for-player exchange was straightforward: the Seahawks received past considerations (?) and surrendered Gordon Jolley. The C grade reflects the known return, while Detroit Lions's C grade accounts for the countervalue. The trade belongs as a minor database entry because its documented impact was real but not franchise-shaping.

Seattle acquired Earnest Price / Ernie Price from Detroit Lions on 1978-09-27, sending Bill Cooke; 1979 eighth round pick (#213-John Mohring) in return. From a hindsight view, the Seahawks neither created a defining win nor suffered a major loss here. The important public-facing detail is the actual exchange — Earnest Price / Ernie Price for Bill Cooke; 1979 eighth round pick (#213-John Mohring) — rather than a forced storyline. That makes the row useful for database completeness while keeping it below the major-trade tier.

Denver acquired 1980 eighth round pick (#196-Ken Walter) from Detroit Lions for Mike Montler. Denver converted Mike Montler into draft capital, a practical roster-management decision rather than a franchise-shaping swing. The Broncos grade stays at C because the return was useful but limited, while Detroit Lions lands at C based on the player value it acquired.

Denver acquired Charlie West; 1979 sixth round pick (#148-Jeff McIntyre) from Detroit Lions for Bill Gay; rights to any 2 of the first 5 players cut by Broncos by 08-29 (?) (?). This remains a low-scale transaction built around cash, conditional terms, or incomplete draft compensation. It is retained for trade-history completeness, with conservative grades because the verified long-term impact is limited.

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired 1979 fourth round pick (#86-Russell Davis) from Detroit Lions for James Allen / Jim Allen / Jimmy Allen. Analysis: This 1978 transaction with Detroit Lions registered as a roughly balanced exchange. Both clubs addressed their stated roster or draft-board priorities without a clear winner emerging from the historical record. The assets involved were comparable in tier and subsequent career value.

Seattle acquired $100 cash from Detroit Lions on 1977-08-19, sending Fred Steinfort in return. From a hindsight view, the Seahawks neither created a defining win nor suffered a major loss here. The important public-facing detail is the actual exchange — $100 cash for Fred Steinfort — rather than a forced storyline. That makes the row useful for database completeness while keeping it below the major-trade tier.

Denver acquired Herman Weaver from Detroit Lions for 1978 fourth round pick (#109-Larry Tearry); 1978 sixth round pick (#165-Jesse Thompson). Denver paid draft capital for Herman Weaver, making this a targeted personnel acquisition instead of a pure pick shuffle. The Broncos grade of C reflects the balance between immediate roster help and the opportunity cost of the pick sent to Detroit Lions.

Seattle acquired Bill Munson from Detroit Lions on 1976-09-06, sending 1977 fifth round pick (#114-Ron Crosby) in return. From a hindsight view, the Seahawks neither created a defining win nor suffered a major loss here. The important public-facing detail is the actual exchange — Bill Munson for 1977 fifth round pick (#114-Ron Crosby) — rather than a forced storyline. That makes the row useful for database completeness while keeping it below the major-trade tier.

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired 1977 fifth round pick (#125-Steve Courson) from Detroit Lions for John McMakin. Analysis: Pittsburgh came away from this 1975 transaction with the stronger side of the exchange. The assets acquired from Detroit Lions provided meaningful roster value — either through direct on-field contribution, draft capital, or positional need addressed — that outpaced what was sent away.

Denver acquired Charles Walton / Chuck Walton / Dick Walton from Detroit Lions for Bill Laskey. Denver swapped Bill Laskey for Charles Walton / Chuck Walton / Dick Walton, a direct player-value trade with limited evidence of a major long-term swing. The grades remain modest because the available record supports a useful roster exchange, not a clear franchise-changing win.

Vikings received 1975 third round pick (#63-Elois Grooms); sent Charlie West.

Denver acquired 1975 ninth round pick (possibly #229-Gordon Riegel / Gordy Riegel) from Detroit Lions for Leroy Mitchell. Denver converted Leroy Mitchell into draft capital, a practical roster-management decision rather than a franchise-shaping swing. The Broncos grade stays at C because the return was useful but limited, while Detroit Lions lands at C based on the player value it acquired.

Denver acquired Al Barnes from Detroit Lions for Jimmie Jones. Denver swapped Jimmie Jones for Al Barnes, a direct player-value trade with limited evidence of a major long-term swing. The grades remain modest because the available record supports a useful roster exchange, not a clear franchise-changing win.

Denver acquired Roger Shoals / Rodger Shoals from Detroit Lions for Carl Cunningham. Denver swapped Carl Cunningham for Roger Shoals / Rodger Shoals, a direct player-value trade with limited evidence of a major long-term swing. The grades remain modest because the available record supports a useful roster exchange, not a clear franchise-changing win.

Vikings received John Henderson (William); sent draft pick (?-?).

Vikings received 1968 17th round pick (#445-Bill Hull (b)); sent 1969 16th round pick (#407-John Stahl).

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Wally Hilgenberg from Detroit Lions for John Baker (Haywood). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Detroit Lions received comparable value in return.

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Jerry Mazzanti from Detroit Lions for Roger Pillath. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Detroit Lions received comparable value in return.

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired cash from Detroit Lions for Rockne Freitas / Rocky Freitas. Analysis: The trade grades against Pittsburgh because the outgoing side carried more durable value, stronger draft upside, or a better long-term return for Detroit Lions. The grade is deliberately conservative because part of the source record is incomplete, conditional, approximate, or still too recent for a firm historical verdict.

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired John Hilton; Pat Batten from Detroit Lions for draft pick (possibly 1966 #67-Bill Cody). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Detroit Lions received comparable value in return. The grade is deliberately conservative because part of the source record is incomplete, conditional, approximate, or still too recent for a firm historical verdict.

Vikings received Gary Lowe; sent 1966 tenth round pick (#148-Bruce Yates).

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired draft pick (not exercised) from Detroit Lions for Carl Brettschneider. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Detroit Lions received comparable value in return. The grade is deliberately conservative because part of the source record is incomplete, conditional, approximate, or still too recent for a firm historical verdict.

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Carl Brettschneider from Detroit Lions for draft pick (not exercised). Analysis: This 1964 transaction with Detroit Lions registered as a roughly balanced exchange. Both clubs addressed their stated roster or draft-board priorities without a clear winner emerging from the historical record. The assets involved were comparable in tier and subsequent career value.

Vikings received Mike Bundra; Larry Vargo / Larry Varge; sent 1965 seventh round pick (#92-Gregg Kent / Greg Kent); 1966 sixth round pick (#87-Wayne De Sutter).

Vikings received Tom Hall (Francis); Bruce Zellmer; sent 1965 fifth round pick (#64-Ed Flanagan).

Vikings received Tom Hall (Francis)l; Bruce Zellmer; sent 1964 draft pick (?-?).

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Dan LaRose / Danny LaRose from Detroit Lions for 1965 fourth round pick (#46-Tommy Myers). Analysis: The trade grades against Pittsburgh because the outgoing side carried more durable value, stronger draft upside, or a better long-term return for Detroit Lions.

Vikings received Tom Hall (Francis); sent cash.

Acquired S Karl Kassulke from Washington for cash. Ten-year starter (1963-72), 111 games, 1970 Pro Bowler, three Super Bowls.

Summary: Pittsburgh reacquired fullback John Henry Johnson from Detroit for two draft picks. Johnson went on to make the Pro Bowl three times with Pittsburgh and was later inducted into the Hall of Fame. Analysis: Pittsburgh paid two mid-round picks (both uncertain in round/identity) to reclaim a player who became one of the best fullbacks of the era. John Henry Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowler in Pittsburgh and a Hall of Famer. The "Even Trade" verdict greatly undersells this acquisition. This is a Pittsburgh win. Upgraded to B+.

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 acquired Dave Liddick from Detroit Lions for draft pick (possibly 1958 #92-Karl Koepfer) or (possibly 1958 #103-Jim Loftin). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Detroit Lions received comparable value in return. The grade is deliberately conservative because part of the source record is incomplete, conditional, approximate, or still too recent for a firm historical verdict.

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Dick Alban from Detroit Lions for Dick Modzelewski. Analysis: The trade grades against Pittsburgh because the outgoing side carried more durable value, stronger draft upside, or a better long-term return for Detroit Lions.

Summary: Pittsburgh sent the rights to reigning NFL MVP Bill Dudley to Detroit and received a package that included the 1948 third overall pick (used on Bobby Layne). Dudley had won the 1946 rushing title and MVP; Layne would become a Hall of Fame quarterback. Analysis: On the surface, trading the defending MVP for a package including the Layne pick seems reasonable, but the execution muddies the picture. Pittsburgh never maximized Layne, eventually letting him go (see 1947-0024) before he became an elite QB. Dudley continued producing elsewhere. Slight Pittsburgh lean given the draft capital acquired, but the downstream mismanagement of the Layne asset diminishes this win substantially.

Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Mike Rodak from Detroit Lions for cash. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Detroit Lions received comparable value in return.