The Cardinals acquired cornerback Tim Collier from Kansas…
The Cardinals acquired cornerback Tim Collier from Kansas City on February 16, 1980 for a fifth-round pick, No. 115. Collier played 30 games for St. Louis over three seasons, started 11 and intercepted three passes. Kansas City used the selection on defensive tackle Dan Pensick, but the pick did not develop into comparable Chiefs production. The Cardinals received useful defensive service at a modest cost.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Tim Collier
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- pick 1980 fifth round pick (#115-Dan Pensick)
Trade Analysis
Why the Cardinals Added Collier
St. Louis acquired defensive back Tim Collier from Kansas City on February 16, 1980 for a fifth-round pick. The Cardinals were buying a young player with NFL experience at a price that did not require premium draft capital.
What St. Louis Received
Collier contributed over three seasons with the Cardinals. He appeared in 12 games with five starts and two interceptions in 1980, then played 14 games with six starts and another interception in 1981. He remained with the club into 1982. That gave St. Louis 30 games and 11 starts from the acquisition.
What Kansas City Received
The Chiefs used No. 115 in the 1980 draft on defensive tackle Dan Pensick from Nebraska. Kansas City's own draft history confirms the selection, but Pensick did not become a meaningful regular-season contributor for the Chiefs. The pick therefore failed to replace the usable defensive snaps that Kansas City surrendered.
Why the Fifth-Round Cost Matters
Collier was not an elite starter, and his Cardinals career was not long enough for an A-level grade. Still, three seasons of defensive depth, 11 starts and three interceptions are a solid outcome for a fifth-round investment. Kansas City received almost no on-field payoff from the selection.
Taken together, the production and acquisition cost show why the grade should follow realized team contribution rather than reputation or draft position alone.
Final Verdict
The Cardinals earn a B and Kansas City a D. St. Louis received a useful multi-year defensive back for a modest pick, while the Chiefs' chosen player did not provide comparable NFL service. The Cardinals clearly captured the better football return.