Cleveland acquired Charley Scales and received four seasons…
Cleveland acquired Charley Scales and received four seasons of useful backfield and special-teams service. Scales worked behind Jim Brown and provided depth rather than star production, but the Browns gained a real multi-year contributor from the transaction. That direct club value gives Cleveland a slight advantage over Pittsburgh's fifth-round asset, which was later moved again in a separate transaction.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Charley Scales
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 1963 fifth round pick (#65) [later traded to San Francisco 49ers for John Burrell and Don Coffey]
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1962-03-26, Cleveland Browns received Charley Scales, while Pittsburgh Steelers received 1963 fifth round pick (#65) [later traded to San Francisco 49ers for John Burrell and Don Coffey]. The evaluation follows the football value actually created by the consideration each club controlled. When an acquired pick was later moved again, that later transaction is treated separately rather than automatically credited as player production from this exchange.
Cleveland Browns Return
Cleveland acquired Charley Scales and received four seasons of useful backfield and special-teams service. Scales worked behind Jim Brown and provided depth rather than star production, but the Browns gained a real multi-year contributor from the transaction. That direct club value gives Cleveland a slight advantage over Pittsburgh's fifth-round asset, which was later moved again in a separate transaction.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Pittsburgh received Cleveland's 1963 fifth-round selection at No. 65. The Steelers later moved that pick in another deal, so the asset retained trade value but did not become a direct Pittsburgh draft contribution from this exchange. Against four seasons of service from Charley Scales in Cleveland, Pittsburgh's realized return is less substantial while still deserving credit for preserving useful draft capital.
Value in Hindsight
Cleveland sent its 1963 fifth-round selection to Pittsburgh for Charley Scales. Scales remained with the Browns for four seasons as Jim Brown's backup and provided useful rushing and special-teams depth. Pittsburgh retained No. 65 and later moved the asset again, but the downstream package requires separate consideration. Cleveland's direct multi-year player service is the stronger realized return. The comparison emphasizes direct club service, starting responsibility, production, and retained draft value without overstating later transactions that required additional consideration.
Final Verdict
Cleveland Browns receives a B- and Pittsburgh Steelers receives a C+. The verdict is Cleveland Browns Win. The grade spread reflects the scale of the original transaction and the difference in realized football value, while still giving credit for legitimate depth, draft capital, and short-term service.