Oakland sent receiver Gloster Richardson to Cleveland on…
Oakland sent receiver Gloster Richardson to Cleveland on September 11, 1972 for the Browns' 1974 fourth-round selection, later used on Morris Bradshaw. Richardson contributed as a reserve over three Browns seasons, but Bradshaw became a longer-tenured Raiders player and special-teams contributor. Oakland's draft conversion produced the stronger long-term return, though Cleveland did receive useful veteran production.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Gloster Richardson
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1974 fourth round pick (#93-Morris Bradshaw)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On September 11, 1972, Oakland traded wide receiver Gloster Richardson to Cleveland for a future fourth-round draft choice. Player histories and draft-trade material agree on the basic exchange. The Browns' selection became No. 93 in the 1974 draft, and the Raiders used it on wide receiver and return specialist Morris Bradshaw.
What Cleveland Received
Richardson was not a star in Cleveland, but he did provide genuine veteran production. Across three Browns seasons he caught 22 passes for 448 yards and three touchdowns while serving mainly as a reserve receiver. That is enough value to make the transaction competitive. Cleveland bought an experienced player for a mid-round future pick and received several seasons of roster use rather than a short failed stop.
What Oakland Received
The Raiders waited for the draft asset and converted the fourth-rounder into Bradshaw. He remained with Oakland for multiple seasons, contributed as a receiver and returner, and was part of the club during its championship period. The longer team tenure and broader special-teams role give Oakland more sustained value than Cleveland received from Richardson. Because the original asset was a fourth-round choice, the successful conversion deserves meaningful credit.
Final Verdict
Oakland wins, but Cleveland's side was respectable. Richardson produced enough over three seasons to keep the Browns from receiving a weak grade. Bradshaw's longer Raiders career and his role on strong Oakland teams ultimately created the better return from the same transaction. B- for Oakland and C+ for Cleveland fits a moderate win driven by longevity rather than a one-sided failure.