Atlanta traded running back Paul Gipson to Detroit on…
Atlanta traded running back Paul Gipson to Detroit on September 9, 1971, and received the 1972 second-round choice that became No. 40 overall and Pat Sullivan. Gipson's Lions stay produced only a brief 1971 role, while Sullivan spent several seasons with Atlanta and supplied useful quarterback depth. The corrected pick chain gives the Falcons a clear, though not overwhelming, hindsight win.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1972 second round pick (#40-Pat Sullivan)
Detroit Lions Received
- player Paul Gipson
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Atlanta sent running back Paul Gipson to Detroit on September 9, 1971, for a 1972 second-round draft choice. The important historical clarification is the exact selection: the Gipson trade produced pick No. 40, which Atlanta used on Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan. Pick No. 41 came from a different Falcons-Lions transaction and should not be blended into this deal.
What Atlanta Got
Sullivan never became Atlanta's long-term starting quarterback, so this is not a hidden blockbuster. He did, however, remain with the Falcons for multiple seasons, appearing in 30 games and making four starts while throwing for more than 1,100 yards. That gave Atlanta several years of developmental and backup value from the second-round asset. A quarterback reserve with that tenure is a useful return even without a breakthrough season.
What Detroit Got
Gipson's Lions stint was much shorter. He appeared in five games for Detroit in 1971 and carried only a handful of times before his NFL career moved on. Detroit was acquiring an experienced runner who could compete for work immediately, but the move never developed into a significant offensive role. The Lions therefore gave up a premium day-two selection for very limited direct production.
How the Value Separated
The difference is duration and asset cost. Atlanta turned one departing runner into the 40th overall choice and received several seasons from the quarterback it selected. Detroit received only a brief look at Gipson. Sullivan's modest career prevents an aggressive grade, but the second-round pick clearly created more usable value.
Final Verdict
Atlanta wins. The Falcons' B- reflects the multi-year quarterback depth obtained from a correctly identified second-round pick, while Detroit's C- reflects the small return on Gipson relative to that cost.