Detroit sent Marlin Briscoe to New England for a 1977…
Detroit sent Marlin Briscoe to New England for a 1977 sixth-round pick that became Reggie Pinkney. Briscoe gave the Patriots one season, playing 14 games with five starts and 136 receiving yards. Pinkney played 24 games for Detroit over two seasons, started three and intercepted three passes. Neither return was large, but Detroit received slightly more durable value.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 1977 sixth round pick (#166-Reggie Pinkney)
New England Patriots Received
- player Marlin Briscoe
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On September 6, 1976, Detroit traded wide receiver Marlin Briscoe to New England for a 1977 sixth-round draft choice. Detroit historical records confirm the transaction, and draft records trace the selection to No. 166, defensive back Reggie Pinkney. Both sides received actual NFL contribution, making this a genuine close call.
New England Patriots Return
Briscoe was near the end of a pioneering and productive career. In 1976 he appeared in all 14 Patriots games, started five, caught 10 passes for 136 yards and scored one receiving touchdown. It was his only season in New England and his final NFL season. The Patriots therefore received immediate veteran depth but no long-term value.
Detroit Lions Return
Detroit used the sixth-round choice on Pinkney. He played 24 games for the Lions across 1977 and 1978, made three starts and recorded three interceptions. Pinkney was not a regular starter, but he gave Detroit two seasons of usable secondary depth and more total post-trade team service than Briscoe provided New England.
Value in Hindsight
This is not a lopsided trade. Briscoe contributed in every game of the 1976 Patriots season and made five starts, while Pinkney's 24 games and three interceptions came mostly in a reserve role. Detroit's extra season and defensive production create enough separation for a narrow win, not a major grade gap.
Final Verdict
Detroit wins slightly. The Lions earn a C+ for two seasons of productive depth from a sixth-round pick. New England earns a C for one season of veteran receiving depth. The narrow gap fits a modest Detroit advantage rather than a decisive win.