Atlanta Falcons received 1967 sixth round pick (#151-Martine…

The Exchange

On 1966-06-23, Atlanta Falcons received 1967 sixth round pick (#151-Martine Bircher), while Indianapolis Colts received Dale Memmelaar. This was a relatively small transaction, so the useful question is what each side actually gained from the exchanged player or draft choice. The documented career results provide enough separation to grade the two returns without treating the deal as larger than it was. Atlanta Falcons Return Atlanta sent veteran guard Dale Memmelaar to Baltimore/Indianapolis for a sixth-round draft choice that became Martine Bircher. Memmelaar provided the Colts with reserve and limited starting service across two seasons, while Bircher did not establish comparable NFL value for Atlanta. The realized return therefore favors the Colts and reverses the current verdict. For Atlanta Falcons, the return is graded D. That grade is based on the direct NFL service, starts, production, or draft value tied to what Atlanta Falcons received. Where a later draft connection is uncertain, the assessment counts only what can be supported confidently rather than assuming extra value. Indianapolis Colts Return Indianapolis Colts is graded B- for its side of the exchange. The same standard applies here: sustained playing time and meaningful production raise the value, while brief service or a pick that did not create an NFL role keeps the return modest. The evidence is weighed by realized football value rather than by the apparent importance of the asset on the day of the trade. Value in Hindsight Hindsight separates these returns because the two sides did not produce equal results after the exchange. The grades reflect duration, role, production, and the strength of the documented draft connection. That approach gives useful credit for a productive veteran or a pick that became a contributor, while avoiding extra credit for outcomes that cannot be tied securely to this deal. Final Verdict The final call is Indianapolis Colts Win. Atlanta Falcons receives D, and Indianapolis Colts receives B-. The decision follows the documented value attached to the exchanged assets and the contribution each club ultimately realized. That keeps the verdict appropriately scaled while still recognizing a meaningful edge when one side clearly produced more usable NFL value.