Atlanta sent running back Junior Coffey to New York on…
Atlanta sent running back Junior Coffey to New York on October 28, 1969, for two draft choices: a 1970 third-rounder used on Todd Snyder and a 1971 sixth-rounder used on Ray Brown. Coffey gave the Giants modest short-term rushing help, but Brown became a long-term Falcons defensive back and Snyder contributed as a receiver, giving Atlanta the stronger realized return.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1970 third-round pick (No. 65, Todd Snyder)
- pick 1971 sixth-round pick (No. 148, Ray Brown)
New York Giants Received
- player Junior Coffey
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Atlanta traded Junior Coffey to New York on October 28, 1969, for two future selections. The first was the 1970 third-round pick at No. 65, which Atlanta used on Todd Snyder. The second was the 1971 sixth-round pick at No. 148, used on defensive back Ray Brown. Contemporary Falcons material also describes the deal as Coffey for two draft choices, matching the later draft-transfer record.
Atlanta's Return
The Falcons turned the package into two players who actually contributed. Snyder spent three seasons with Atlanta and caught 24 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Brown became the much larger prize. He spent seven seasons with the Falcons, developed into a regular defensive back, and produced high-impact interception seasons, including eight picks in 1974 and five more in 1977. A sixth-round selection becoming that kind of multi-year defender creates substantial surplus value.
New York's Return
Coffey was a proven veteran runner, and the Giants received some immediate use from him. He started six games in 1969, rushing for 343 yards and a touchdown, then returned in 1971 for a limited role. The problem is duration. New York surrendered two future chances for a player whose Giants contribution was concentrated in a short stretch and did not become a long-term piece of the roster.
Value in Hindsight
This trade shows the compounding upside of multiple selections. Neither Snyder nor Brown needed to become a superstar for Atlanta to win; together they produced far more team seasons than Coffey supplied New York. Brown alone became a durable Falcons contributor, while Snyder added useful receiving production. The Giants did obtain a functional veteran, so the deal was not empty value, but the longevity gap is clear.
Final Verdict
Atlanta Falcons Win. Atlanta earns an A- for converting two non-premium picks into a useful receiver and a long-term defensive back. New York receives a C because Coffey supplied legitimate short-term rushing help but not enough sustained value to match the two-player return. Hindsight strongly favors the Falcons.