Detroit Lions received Jimmy Allen, while Pittsburgh Steelers…
Detroit Lions received Jimmy Allen, while Pittsburgh Steelers received a 1979 fourth-round pick that became No. 86 Russell Davis. Allen became a 58-game starter with 24 interceptions for Detroit, far outpacing the value Pittsburgh received from fourth-round pick Russell Davis. The hindsight grades are A- for Detroit Lions and C- for Pittsburgh Steelers, producing a Detroit Lions Win verdict.
Detroit Lions Received
- player Jimmy Allen
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 1979 fourth round pick (#86- Russell Davis )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Detroit Lions received Jimmy Allen, while Pittsburgh Steelers received a 1979 fourth-round pick that became No. 86 Russell Davis. Detroit acquired Allen on July 20, 1978 and he became a durable starter, appearing in 60 games with 58 starts for the Lions from 1978 through 1981. The fairest hindsight test is the actual roster service and durable asset value created by each side compared with the cost surrendered.
Detroit Lions Return
For Detroit Lions, the acquired return was Jimmy Allen. Allen intercepted 24 passes for Detroit, while Davis produced a much smaller offensive return for Pittsburgh after the Steelers used the acquired fourth-round pick on him. That result drives a A- grade. The assessment rests on demonstrated playing time, later asset conversion, or immediate consideration rather than assumed value. Because this is a minor transaction, the grade stays proportional to the limited stakes.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Pittsburgh Steelers came away with a 1979 fourth-round pick that became No. 86 Russell Davis. The useful comparison is what the club ultimately retained from the deal, not the incoming name's apparent value on the transaction date. Regular-season snaps, a later pick, or certain cash value count when they materialized; the grade falls when the acquired piece produced little or nothing afterward. That record supports a C- for this side.
Value in Hindsight
The separation between the teams is based on realized value and the scale of the cost. Allen became a 58-game starter with 24 interceptions for Detroit, far outpacing the value Pittsburgh received from fourth-round pick Russell Davis. A short-lived acquisition can still be worthwhile when the price is tiny, while a player who generates no regular-season contribution can leave the selling club ahead in an obscure deal. The available evidence is specific enough to make that comparison without overstating either side's gain.
Final Verdict
The final call is Detroit Lions Win. Detroit Lions receives a A-, while Pittsburgh Steelers receives a C-. Those grades reflect the verified terms, subsequent service or asset value, and the modest scale of the exchange.