Baltimore acquired the NFL rights to tackle Ed George from…
Baltimore acquired the NFL rights to tackle Ed George from Pittsburgh for 1976 second- and fourth-round selections. George gave the Colts 12 games and two starts in 1975, so Baltimore received real short-term help. Pittsburgh used the premium pick on quarterback Mike Kruczek, who went 6-0 as a rookie starter, making the Steelers’ return stronger overall.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- other rights to Ed George
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 1976 second round pick (#47-Mike Kruczek)
- pick 1976 fourth round pick (#112-Wonder Monds)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Baltimore acquired the NFL rights to offensive lineman Ed George from Pittsburgh on April 14, 1975, for a 1976 second-round choice and a 1976 fourth-round choice. Steelers and Colts historical material support the two-pick return. Pittsburgh ultimately used the selections on quarterback Mike Kruczek at No. 47 and defensive back Wonder Monds at No. 112.
What Baltimore Received
George was not a meaningless acquisition. After playing in Canada, he joined the Colts in 1975 and appeared in 12 games with two starts. Baltimore therefore obtained actual offensive-line depth for a team that won the AFC East. George moved to Philadelphia the following year and later became a regular starter there, so the Colts captured only a short portion of his NFL value.
What Pittsburgh Received
Kruczek supplied the most important outcome. As a rookie in 1976, he started six games after Terry Bradshaw was injured, and Pittsburgh won all six. He completed 60 percent of his passes and helped keep a contender moving toward the AFC Championship Game. He remained with the Steelers through 1979 and was part of two Super Bowl championship teams. Monds added another prospect, though his impact was limited.
Why Pittsburgh Gets the Edge
Baltimore’s 1975 return was useful, which keeps the Colts from receiving a poor grade. Pittsburgh, however, turned George’s rights into a quarterback who successfully protected a championship window when the starter went down. That kind of contingency value is unusually meaningful for a second-round selection.
Final Verdict
Pittsburgh receives an A- and Baltimore a B-. George helped the Colts for one season, but Kruczek’s 6-0 rookie starting stretch and multi-year reserve role give the Steelers the stronger realized return.