Pittsburgh traded running back Charlie Davis to St. Louis for…
Pittsburgh traded running back Charlie Davis to St. Louis for a 1976 sixth-round pick that became defensive lineman Gary Dunn. Dunn spent 12 seasons with the Steelers, played 146 games and made 105 starts, an exceptional return from pick No. 159. The Cardinals also received real value from Davis, who started 12 games in 1975 and remained with the club for multiple seasons. Pittsburgh wins, but St. Louis deserves meaningful credit.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Charlie Davis
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 1976 sixth round pick (#159-Gary Dunn)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On September 15, 1975, Pittsburgh sent Charlie Davis to St. Louis for a 1976 sixth-round selection. The Steelers used the 159th overall pick on defensive lineman Gary Dunn. Hindsight makes this trade notable because both sides received genuine football value: Davis became an immediate Cardinals contributor, while Dunn developed into a long-term fixture on Pittsburgh's defensive front.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Dunn was an outstanding conversion of a sixth-round pick. He spent 12 NFL seasons with Pittsburgh, appeared in 146 regular-season games and made 105 starts. His career extended from 1976 through 1987, bridging multiple eras of Steelers football. Even without treating him as a superstar, more than a decade of defensive-line availability and triple-digit starts is premium realized value from the 159th pick.
Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Return
Davis was not a throwaway on the other side. He joined St. Louis in 1975 and started 12 games that season. He remained with the Cardinals for multiple years and provided useful defensive-tackle service. That immediate role means St. Louis received meaningful value and should not be graded as though the player failed to contribute simply because Dunn's Pittsburgh career became much longer.
Value in Hindsight
The trade is a good example of both teams benefiting while one still wins. St. Louis acquired a legitimate starter and useful multi-year defender. Pittsburgh, however, obtained a player who became part of its roster for 12 seasons and started 105 games. That longevity from a sixth-round choice creates the decisive advantage.
Final Verdict
Pittsburgh wins, but the Cardinals also grade well. The Steelers earn an A- for turning the pick into Gary Dunn's long career. St. Louis earns a B for receiving immediate and sustained contribution from Charlie Davis. The gap reflects Dunn's exceptional longevity rather than a failure by the Cardinals.