Cleveland turned Detroit's 1961 sixth-round pick into Frank…
Cleveland turned Detroit's 1961 sixth-round pick into Frank Parker, who played 60 Browns games across five active seasons, made 17 starts in Pro Football Archives records and contributed to the 1964 NFL championship club. Detroit got 14 games from Willie McClung, including 11 at starting right tackle in 1960 before only three appearances in 1961. The longer, championship-era return gives Cleveland the B+ to C+ win.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 1961 sixth round pick (#79-(Billy) Frank Parker)
Detroit Lions Received
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Cleveland sent veteran tackle Willie McClung to Detroit for the Lions' 1961 sixth-round choice. Cleveland's official draft history identifies that acquired selection as No. 79, used on Oklahoma State lineman Frank Parker, and the independent draft-transaction record matches the McClung-for-pick chain. Both assets produced real NFL service for their new teams, but on very different timelines.
Detroit Lions Return
McClung gave Detroit an immediate starting answer. The 1960 Lions roster lists him as the primary right tackle, and he appeared in 11 games that season. NFL records show another three Lions appearances in 1961, bringing his Detroit total to 14 games. His career ended there, so the Lions received one substantial season and a short second-year tail rather than a durable multi-season asset.
Cleveland Browns Return
Parker's Cleveland return was much longer. Pro Football Archives credits him with 60 Browns regular-season games across 1962-64 and 1966-67, including 17 starts. He missed 1965 on injured reserve but returned for two more seasons. Parker was part of Cleveland's 1964 NFL championship team, appearing in eight regular-season games that year. His Browns tenure therefore produced five active seasons of defensive-line depth and starting work.
Value in Hindsight
Detroit did not come away empty. Eleven games as the listed starting right tackle in 1960 gives McClung's side meaningful value and prevents a low grade. Cleveland's advantage comes from duration and repeated roster usefulness: Parker logged more than four times as many games for the Browns and remained with a championship-caliber club over several seasons.
Final Verdict
Cleveland rises from C+ to B+ and the verdict changes from Even Trade to Cleveland Browns Win; Detroit remains C+. Parker's 60-game tenure and championship-season contribution warrant the higher mark without treating him as a star. McClung's useful 1960 starting season still earns Detroit credit, but his 14-game Lions tenure was far shorter.