Dallas Cowboys received 1965 fourth round pick (#53-Bob…
Dallas Cowboys received 1965 fourth round pick (#53-Bob Svihus) and cash. Dallas received Detroit's 1965 fourth-round choice, later No. 53, plus cash. The selection became Bob Svihus, but he did not create direct Cowboys NFL value. Dallas still obtained draft capital and financial consideration, though the realized football benefit remained modest. The balanced outcome supports a C+ grade for Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 1965 fourth round pick (#53- Bob Svihus )
- other cash
Detroit Lions Received
- player Sonny Gibbs
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1964-10-27, Dallas Cowboys received 1965 fourth round pick (#53-Bob Svihus) and cash, while Detroit Lions received Sonny Gibbs. Historical team, transaction, draft, and player records support the package. The comparison credits each club for direct production and draft value it actually controlled after the exchange.
Dallas Cowboys Return
Dallas Cowboys received 1965 fourth round pick (#53-Bob Svihus) and cash. Dallas received Detroit's 1965 fourth-round choice, later No. 53, plus cash. The selection became Bob Svihus, but he did not create direct Cowboys NFL value. Dallas still obtained draft capital and financial consideration, though the realized football benefit remained modest. That outcome supports a C+ grade. Later draft movement is treated as asset history, not as automatic credit for a player selected by another franchise.
Detroit Lions Return
Detroit Lions received Sonny Gibbs. Detroit received quarterback Sonny Gibbs, who served primarily as reserve depth. Gibbs did not become a major long-term starter for the Lions, so Detroit's direct return also remained limited. With neither side realizing a substantial football advantage, equal grades fit the historical outcome. That outcome supports a C+ grade. The same standard applies to direct playing time, retained draft capital, and any clearly documented later transfer of the acquired asset.
Value in Hindsight
Dallas historical material and the 1965 draft records confirm the Cowboys sent Sonny Gibbs to Detroit for a fourth-round choice, later No. 53 Bob Svihus, plus cash. The strongest hindsight evidence is the NFL contribution and asset control created by the exchange itself. That keeps the comparison proportional and avoids assigning another club's later player production to the original holder of a moved pick.
Final Verdict
The final call is Even Trade. Dallas Cowboys earns C+, and Detroit Lions earns C+. Those grades match the supported package and the relative football value each side realized without overstating the importance of a terminal draft selection.