Oakland traded veteran tackle Bob Svihus to the New York Jets…
Oakland traded veteran tackle Bob Svihus to the New York Jets in August 1971 for a 1972 second-round selection. Svihus had lost his Raiders starting job to Art Shell, so Oakland converted an experienced but displaced lineman into premium draft capital. The Raiders used pick No. 39 on linebacker John Babinecz, giving Oakland a fresh roster asset for a player it was prepared to move.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1972 second round pick (#39-John Babinecz)
New York Jets Received
- player Bob Svihus
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Oakland traded veteran tackle Bob Svihus to the New York Jets in August 1971 for a 1972 second-round choice. The Raiders used the No. 39 selection on linebacker John Babinecz. Svihus had lost his Oakland starting job to Art Shell but still offered the Jets experienced offensive-line depth.
Why the Deal Made Sense
Oakland’s roster context matters. With Art Shell emerging at left tackle, Svihus no longer held the same role that had made him valuable earlier in his Raiders career. The Jets paid a second-rounder for a veteran with substantial starting experience, a reasonable move for a team trying to protect Joe Namath and stabilize the line.
What the Return Became
Oakland’s selection of John Babinecz did not produce a major long-term star, which limits the realized benefit of the pick. The Raiders won the asset exchange more clearly than the player outcome.
Why the Value Separated
Because neither side found transformational value, the margin should remain moderate. Oakland earns the edge for selling from depth and receiving a second-round choice, while New York gets credit for acquiring a proven veteran.
Final Verdict
Oakland Raiders Win. The final grades reflect realized production, longevity, acquisition cost and the value of the draft capital that changed hands. Las Vegas Raiders receives B and New York Jets receives C+.
How the Hindsight Standard Applies
This verdict does not assume that every draft choice should have produced a star. It compares what each club surrendered with the actual careers, roster roles and flexibility created by the exchange. That keeps the judgment centered on historical value rather than reputation alone.
Oakland turned a veteran tackle who had already lost his starting job into the second-round selection used on John Babinecz, while New York received experienced line depth from Bob Svihus at a substantial draft cost.