Baltimore converted aging veteran Bert Rechichar into…
Baltimore converted aging veteran Bert Rechichar into Pittsburgh’s 1961 fifth-round selection and used No. 62 on Auburn’s Ed Dyas. The pick carried developmental upside, but Dyas never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. Rechichar’s Steelers tenure was also short—six games and three starts in 1960—so this was a low-value exchange overall. Pittsburgh’s limited on-field service is enough to give the Steelers the edge.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1961 fifth round pick (#62-Ed Dyas)
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player Bert Rechichar
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
By the summer of 1960, Bert Rechichar was a decorated but aging member of Baltimore’s championship-era roster. He had been a three-time Pro Bowler and versatile defensive back and kicker, but injuries and a shrinking role made a move logical. Draft-transaction records place the deal on July 20, 1960: Pittsburgh received Rechichar and Baltimore received the Steelers’ 1961 fifth-round pick, later No. 62 overall.
What Pittsburgh Received
Rechichar’s Steelers stay was brief. Pro Football Reference credits him with six games and three starts for Pittsburgh in 1960. Contemporary career histories note that a leg injury cut short his season. He did not become a long-term Steeler and moved to the New York Titans in 1961. Still, Pittsburgh acquired an experienced veteran who reached the field and started games during the season for which he was obtained.
What Baltimore Received
The Colts used No. 62 on Auburn back Ed Dyas. The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 1961 draft record confirms that Dyas was Baltimore’s fifth-round selection from Pittsburgh. Pro Football Reference’s draft listing shows no NFL regular-season games for Dyas. He went on to a distinguished life outside professional football, but that does not create NFL trade value for Baltimore. The acquired pick therefore yielded no regular-season Colts production.
Final Verdict
Pittsburgh Steelers Win, narrowly. Neither side produced a meaningful long-term return. Rechichar’s six appearances and three starts are modest, and Pittsburgh should not receive a high grade for one injury-shortened season. But Baltimore’s acquired fifth-round pick generated no NFL service at all. Pittsburgh earns a C for obtaining some usable veteran depth; Baltimore receives a D because the draft asset did not convert into regular-season value.