Detroit acquired quarterback Joe Reed from San Francisco on…
Detroit acquired quarterback Joe Reed from San Francisco on October 22, 1974. Reed became a useful Lions starter and reserve, appearing in 29 games from 1975 through 1979 and starting eight games in 1975 alone.
Detroit Lions Received
- player Joe Reed
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1976 fifth-round pick (No. 140; Tony Leonard)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Detroit's official transaction history records the Lions acquiring Joe Reed from San Francisco on October 22, 1974. The 49ers' 1976 media guide identifies the other side precisely: San Francisco's No. 140 selection of Tony Leonard came from Detroit in the Joe Reed trade. The Pro Football Hall of Fame draft ledger independently lists Leonard at No. 140 from Detroit.
Detroit's Return
Reed gave the Lions meaningful quarterback value. NFL career records show 10 games and eight starts in 1975, when he threw for 1,181 yards and nine touchdowns, followed by 13 games and two starts in 1976. He remained with Detroit through 1979 and finished his Lions tenure with 29 regular-season appearances. That is substantial utility from a player acquired for a future fifth-round choice.
San Francisco's Return
Leonard became much more than a disposable late-round pick. Pro Football Reference records 39 games and 24 starts for San Francisco over 1976-78. The 49ers' official 1976 statistics also credit him with 35 punt returns for 294 yards and a touchdown plus 26 kickoff returns for 553 yards as a rookie. He started 13 games in 1977 and 10 in 1978 before finishing his career with Detroit.
Final Verdict
Even Trade, B for both clubs. Detroit obtained several seasons of quarterback depth including a productive eight-start 1975 campaign, while San Francisco converted the fifth-rounder into a multi-year starting defensive back and primary returner. Both teams realized clear NFL value, and the evidence does not support a strong enough gap to force a directional winner.