Cleveland acquired veteran defensive end Lyle Alzado and…
Cleveland acquired veteran defensive end Lyle Alzado and received several productive seasons from a proven pass rusher. Alzado became an important member of the Browns defense, so Cleveland did obtain the immediate veteran value it sought. The price was substantial, however, because Denver turned the draft package into Rulon Jones and additional assets that lasted beyond Alzado’s Cleveland tenure.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Lyle Alzado
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1980 second round pick (#42-Rulon Jones)
- pick 1980 fifth round pick (#136-Laval Short)
- pick 1981 third round pick (#75) [later traded with 1982 fourth round pick (#104-Stuart Anderson) to Kansas City Chiefs for Tony Reed]
Trade Analysis
Denver moved a famous veteran but converted him into a package that produced a long-term defensive centerpiece. The Broncos sent Lyle Alzado to Cleveland in 1979 and received a 1980 second-round pick, a 1980 fifth-round pick and a 1981 third-round pick. Denver used the second-rounder, No. 42 overall, on Utah State defensive lineman Rulon Jones and the fifth-rounder on Laval Short. The future third-rounder was later included in another transaction.
Jones is the reason Denver wins the trade. The Broncos’ own history describes the move as especially productive and credits Jones with 73.5 sacks during his Denver career. He made an immediate impact as a rookie and became a fixture on the defense for years. Obtaining that level of long-term pass-rush production with the primary pick already would have made the return strong; the additional draft assets add further value.
Cleveland’s side should not be dismissed. Alzado was still a major NFL personality and productive defensive lineman, and the Browns got useful veteran seasons from him during the Kardiac Kids era. This was not a short rental that failed on arrival. Cleveland bought known performance and received it, which supports a solid B grade.
The difference is duration and asset multiplication. Denver replaced an established veteran with a younger pass rusher who became a long-term team fixture while also receiving two more selections. An A- reflects that excellent conversion. Cleveland’s B recognizes genuine immediate value, but the Browns surrendered the package that produced the more durable franchise return. The downstream value clearly favored Denver.