Detroit acquired linebacker Larry Ball plus Miami’s 1976…
Detroit acquired linebacker Larry Ball plus Miami’s 1976 fifth-round choice, while the Dolphins received Detroit’s 1976 fourth-round choice. Ball immediately appeared in all 14 games for the Lions in 1975, and Detroit also retained an additional draft asset. Miami later recycled the fourth-round capital, but Detroit obtained the clearer immediate return and earns a modest win.
Detroit Lions Received
- player Larry Ball
- pick 1976 fifth round pick (#145-Steadman Scavella)
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 1976 fourth round pick (#108-Wayne Rhodes)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Miami traded linebacker Larry Ball and its 1976 fifth-round choice to Detroit on September 7, 1975, for the Lions’ 1976 fourth-round choice. Dolphins historical material and draft-transaction records support the structure. The Detroit fourth-round asset is traced to No. 108, Wayne Rhodes, while Miami’s fifth-round choice became No. 145, Steadman Scavella.
What Detroit Received
Ball supplied immediate depth and availability. He appeared in all 14 games for Detroit in 1975 and even recorded a touchdown on a return, giving the Lions a full season from the veteran linebacker. Detroit also held the fifth-round selection that became Scavella. That second asset did not turn into a long Lions career, but the package still combined current roster help with future capital.
What Miami Received
The Dolphins moved up from a fifth-round asset to Detroit’s fourth-rounder. That choice did not simply disappear: draft-transaction history shows Miami later moved the No. 108 asset as part of another exchange. The value was therefore primarily transactional rather than the direct selection of Rhodes by Miami. The Dolphins recovered flexibility, but they surrendered a player who immediately played a complete season for Detroit.
Why Detroit Gets the Edge
Miami’s move up the draft board had rational value, and the later reuse of the fourth-round asset keeps this from being lopsided. Detroit, however, received both a usable 1975 linebacker and a future selection. That combination created the clearest direct return from this specific exchange.
Final Verdict
Detroit receives a B- and Miami a C+. Ball’s 14-game season plus the fifth-round asset gives the Lions the advantage. Miami preserved meaningful draft value, so the margin is modest rather than overwhelming.