Green Bay acquired Pro Bowl punter Ron Widby and defensive…
Green Bay acquired Pro Bowl punter Ron Widby and defensive back Ike Thomas from Dallas shortly before the 1972 season for a future second-round choice. Widby punted well for two Packers seasons, but Dallas used the 1973 pick, No. 46, on receiver Golden Richards, who became a productive multi-year Cowboy. Richards' longer direct value gives Dallas the stronger return.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 1973 second round pick (#46-Golden Richards)
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Ron Widby
- player Ike Thomas (a)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Less than two weeks before the 1972 opener, Green Bay acquired punter Ron Widby and defensive back Ike Thomas from Dallas for a future second-round draft choice. Packers historian material describes the transaction directly, and the 1973 draft trail identifies the pick as No. 46. Dallas used that selection on wide receiver Golden Richards.
What Green Bay Received
Widby solved an immediate need. He averaged 41.8 yards per punt in 1972 as Green Bay won the NFC Central, then improved to 43.1 in 1973. Those were useful seasons from a veteran specialist, and Thomas also gave the Packers defensive and return depth. The trade therefore helped a competitive Green Bay roster right away. Its weakness is duration: neither incoming player became a long-term Packers fixture.
What Dallas Received
Dallas accepted delayed value and turned the second-round choice into Richards. He spent several seasons with the Cowboys, contributed as a receiver and returner, and remained part of a contending roster deep into the decade. The direct team value from one second-round selection ultimately lasted longer than Green Bay's combined return. That does not erase Widby's quality punting, but it gives Dallas the stronger long-term side.
Final Verdict
Dallas wins on longevity and the quality of the draft conversion. Green Bay received exactly the kind of immediate specialist help it sought and deserves credit for that, which keeps the Packers above a poor grade. Still, Richards provided more sustained Cowboys value than Widby and Thomas provided in Green Bay. B for Dallas and C+ for Green Bay fits a clear but respectable result for both sides.