NFL Trade Verdict

Cleveland Browns Win

Denver traded standout pass rusher Rich Jackson to Cleveland for a 1973 third-round pick, ending the Broncos tenure of one of the AFL's most feared defensive linemen. Jackson had been a two-time AFL All-Star and one of the franchise's early pass-rush standouts, so the return now looks light even if his peak was fading. Denver recovered only a mid-round pick for a proven defender with real historical stature. The Browns side carries a better hindsight grade because they bought a known pass rusher at a modest acquisition cost.

October 11, 1972 Denver BroncosCleveland Browns Confidence: high Tier: major

Denver Broncos Received

  • pick 1973 third round pick (#54-Paul Howard)

Trade Summary

Denver traded standout pass rusher Rich Jackson to Cleveland for a 1973 third-round pick, ending the Broncos tenure of one of the AFL's most feared defensive linemen. Jackson had been a two-time AFL All-Star and one of the franchise's early pass-rush standouts, so the return now looks light even if his peak was fading. Denver recovered only a mid-round pick for a proven defender with real historical stature. The Browns side carries a better hindsight grade because they bought a known pass rusher at a modest acquisition cost.

Trade Analysis

Denver traded standout pass rusher Rich Jackson to Cleveland for a 1973 third-round pick, ending the Broncos tenure of one of the AFL's most feared defensive linemen. Jackson had been a two-time AFL All-Star and one of the franchise's early pass-rush standouts, so the return now looks light even if his peak was fading. Denver recovered only a mid-round pick for a proven defender with real historical stature. The Browns side carries a better hindsight grade because they bought a known pass rusher at a modest acquisition cost. Cleveland Browns received Rich Jackson and gave up 1973 third round pick (#54-Paul Howard).