Indianapolis received a sixth-round choice that became Danny…
Indianapolis received a sixth-round choice that became Danny Rhodes plus cash, while New England acquired quarterback Jack Mildren. Rhodes appeared in 14 games as a rookie, and Mildren never developed into a long-term answer for the Patriots. Neither return became a franchise-changing piece, but the Colts extracted both draft capital and cash from a player who provided New England limited on-field value.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1974 sixth round pick (#140-Dan Rhodes / Danny Rhodes)
- other cash
New England Patriots Received
- player Jack Mildren
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Indianapolis sent quarterback Jack Mildren to New England for a 1974 sixth-round pick, later used on Danny Rhodes, plus cash. The transaction reflected a familiar veteran-for-value calculation: one club wanted immediate roster help, while the other was willing to exchange present certainty for draft capital or a different player. In hindsight, the useful question is what each side actually converted those assets into.
What Indianapolis Colts Received
Indianapolis received a sixth-round choice that became Danny Rhodes plus cash, while New England acquired quarterback Jack Mildren. Rhodes appeared in 14 games as a rookie, and Mildren never developed into a long-term answer for the Patriots. For Indianapolis Colts, the return is judged by the NFL contribution that followed, not simply by the round number or the reputation of the outgoing player. That realized value supports a B grade for Indianapolis Colts.
What New England Patriots Received
The New England Patriots side of the exchange addressed a different roster need. Neither return became a franchise-changing piece, but the Colts extracted both draft capital and cash from a player who provided New England limited on-field value. The value was real enough to deserve credit where appropriate, but the long-term comparison supports a C+ grade for New England Patriots.
Why the Verdict Lands Here
The deciding factor is the difference between immediate usefulness and durable value. The documented package produced enough evidence to separate the two sides without overstating what a late pick or short veteran stint meant. Neither return became a franchise-changing piece, but the Colts extracted both draft capital and cash from a player who provided New England limited on-field value. That is why the result is Indianapolis Colts Win.
Final Verdict
Indianapolis Colts Win. Indianapolis Colts receives a B, while New England Patriots receives a C+. The grades reflect the confirmed exchange, the downstream players attached to the picks, and the actual football contribution that followed rather than the value those assets might have carried in theory.