New England Patriots received Ezell Jones in the exchange…
New England Patriots received Ezell Jones in the exchange with New York Jets. The historical record shows how the player service and draft value developed after the deal, with the comparison favoring New York Jets. That result supports a C for New England Patriots. The grade reflects the less valuable realized return and keeps the judgment proportional to the documented value produced by this transaction.
New England Patriots Received
- player Ezell Jones
New York Jets Received
- pick 1970 fifth round pick (#108-Cliff McClain)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1969-03-24, New England Patriots received Ezell Jones, while New York Jets received 1970 fifth round pick (#108-Cliff McClain). 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. New England Patriots Return New York sent Ezell Jones to New England and received a fifth-round pick that became Cliff McClain. Jones appeared in 18 games for the Patriots without becoming a regular starter, while McClain provided the Jets with several seasons of backfield depth and measurable rushing and receiving production. The pick generated the stronger realized NFL value, so the existing Jets winner remains supported with a modest grade adjustment. For New England Patriots, the return is graded C. That grade is based on the direct NFL service, starts, production, or draft value tied to what New England Patriots received. Where a later draft connection is uncertain, the assessment counts only what can be supported confidently rather than assuming extra value. New York Jets Return New York Jets 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 New York Jets Win. New England Patriots receives C, and New York Jets 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.