Tennessee Titans Houston Oilers

Seattle moved down from #14 in the 1996 first round, passing on the pick that became RB Eddie George and receiving Glenn Montgomery plus pick #17. This was the first step in a draft-day chain rather than a clean one-for-one talent evaluation. Tennessee/Houston used the original slot on Eddie George, a franchise running back and future star, while Seattle converted the move into additional flexibility. The B grade is defensible only because Seattle continued the chain into other assets; as a standalone pass on George, the deal looks less impressive.

Seattle traded out of #9, which became Hall of Fame G Bruce Matthews, to move up to #3 and select RB Curt Warner. Warner rushed for 1,449 yards as a rookie, made the Pro Bowl immediately, and became one of the AFC's best backs before a torn ACL in 1984 lowered his long-term ceiling. Seattle's short-term logic was defensible because Warner was electric immediately, but the opportunity cost is enormous in hindsight. Houston used the #9 pick on Bruce Matthews, one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history. Warner was excellent before injuries; Matthews was historic for nearly two decades. Winner: Houston Oilers on long-term value.

Seattle acquired 1980 tenth round pick (#274-Billy Rivers); 1981 seventh round pick (#186-Brad Scoville) from Tennessee Titans / Houston Oilers on 1980-04-30, sending Sammy Green in return. The trade is best understood as a narrow roster or draft-position move. Seattle acquired 1980 tenth round pick (#274-Billy Rivers); 1981 seventh round pick (#186-Brad Scoville) and gave up Sammy Green, 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.

August 26, 1976: Seattle acquired WR Steve Largent from the Houston Oilers for a 1977 8th-round pick (#198). Franchise-defining heist. Largent became Seattle's first Hall of Famer, playing 14 seasons with 819 receptions, 13,089 yards, 100 TDs and seven Pro Bowls. Houston cut him in training camp; the pick they received never played. Established Seattle's identity and remains the gold standard for trade value.

Seattle moved down from #14 in the 1996 first round, passing on the pick that became RB Eddie George and receiving Glenn Montgomery plus pick #17. This was the first step in a draft-day chain rather than a clean one-for-one talent evaluation. Tennessee/Houston used the original slot on Eddie George, a franchise running back and future star, while Seattle converted the move into additional flexibility. The B grade is defensible only because Seattle continued the chain into other assets; as a standalone pass on George, the deal looks less impressive.