Pittsburgh Steelers–San Francisco 49ers Trade History

Pittsburgh sent John Henry Johnson to San Francisco in 1954 for halfback Ed Pullerton. The 49ers' own trade history confirms the straight player-for-player exchange. Johnson joined the famed Million Dollar Backfield, produced at a high level and eventually entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Pullerton did not deliver comparable Pittsburgh value, making San Francisco's advantage clear and allowing the confidence level to rise.

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.

San Francisco traded defensive back Dick Moegle to Pittsburgh in March 1960 for the Steelers' 1961 first-round pick. The selection landed sixth overall and became Jimmy Johnson, who spent his entire 16-year career with the 49ers, made five Pro Bowls, and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Moegle gave Pittsburgh some immediate veteran value, but the long-term comparison is overwhelming.

Pittsburgh acquired rookie defensive back Fred Williamson from San Francisco in September 1960 for a future draft choice whose exact selection remains unresolved in surviving transaction records. Williamson appeared in 11 games and made five starts for the Steelers that season before leaving for the AFL in 1961. Pittsburgh received one useful season, while San Francisco's precise draft return cannot be tied confidently to a specific pick.

Pittsburgh acquired rookie Steve Smith from San Francisco in 1966 for a future third-round choice. Smith appeared in only three games for the Steelers. San Francisco used Pittsburgh's 1967 third-round pick, No. 62, on linebacker Frank Nunley, who played 137 games with 91 starts for the 49ers.

Pittsburgh received San Francisco's 1980 tenth-round pick and used No. 250 on Woodrow Wilson. The selection did not produce comparable regular-season value for the Steelers. Tony Dungy, meanwhile, played 15 games and started seven for San Francisco before becoming part of another trade, leaving Pittsburgh with the weaker return and a D+.

Pittsburgh traded defensive end Willie Fry to San Francisco during the 1980 draft for the 49ers' twelfth-round pick, No. 306, which the Steelers used on Texas defensive back Charles Vaclavik. Fry failed San Francisco's physical and was returned to Pittsburgh, while the 49ers received Pittsburgh's 1981 twelfth-round pick as compensation. Neither resulting draftee produced an NFL regular-season game.

Pittsburgh Steelers received 1980 twelfth round pick (#306-Charles Vaclavik) in the 1980-04-30 exchange with San Francisco 49ers, giving up Willie Fry. Pittsburgh initially received San Francisco's 1980 twelfth-round pick, later used at No. 306 on Charles Vaclavik. That return supports a C grade for Pittsburgh Steelers. The final verdict is Even Trade, based on the football value tied directly to the assets in this deal.

Pittsburgh sent the 151st pick to San Francisco in the 1992 draft and received three later choices: Nos. 188, 203 and 215. The Steelers selected Scottie Graham, Darren Perry and Nate Williams, while the 49ers used No. 151 on Damien Russell. Perry became a long-term Pittsburgh starter, making the Steelers clear winners. The corrected package includes the previously omitted No. 215 selection.