Detroit Lions received 1981 ninth round pick (#240-Dave…
Detroit Lions received 1981 ninth round pick (#240-Dave Martin (b)) in the 1980-07-24 exchange with New England Patriots. New England acquired veteran linebacker Ed O'Neil from Detroit on July 24, 1980 for the 1981 ninth-round choice that became Dave Martin. Transaction records support the exact player-for-pick package. The documented result supports a C grade for Detroit Lions. The overall verdict is New England Patriots Win, based on realized value rather than hypothetical upside.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 1981 ninth round pick (#240-Dave Martin (b))
New England Patriots Received
- player Ed O'Neil (b)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1980-07-24, Detroit Lions received 1981 ninth round pick (#240-Dave Martin (b)), while New England Patriots received Ed O'Neil (b). New England acquired veteran linebacker Ed O'Neil from Detroit on July 24, 1980 for the 1981 ninth-round choice that became Dave Martin. Transaction records support the exact player-for-pick package. The deal is judged by what each club actually realized, with downstream value assigned only where the asset trail supports it.
Detroit Lions Return
Detroit Lions received 1981 ninth round pick (#240-Dave Martin (b)) in the 1980-07-24 exchange with New England Patriots. New England acquired veteran linebacker Ed O'Neil from Detroit on July 24, 1980 for the 1981 ninth-round choice that became Dave Martin. Transaction records support the exact player-for-pick package. The documented result supports a C grade for Detroit Lions. The overall verdict is New England Patriots Win, based on realized value rather than hypothetical upside.
Boston/New England Patriots Return
New England Patriots received Ed O'Neil (b) in the 1980-07-24 exchange with Detroit Lions. New England acquired veteran linebacker Ed O'Neil from Detroit on July 24, 1980 for the 1981 ninth-round choice that became Dave Martin. Transaction records support the exact player-for-pick package. The documented result supports a C+ grade for New England Patriots. The overall verdict is New England Patriots Win, based on realized value rather than hypothetical upside.
Value in Hindsight
Hindsight keeps the comparison proportional to the transaction. The research establishes the package and the meaningful post-trade outcomes well enough to compare both sides without overstating a minor deal. The balance turns on direct production, roster utility, and supported draft-asset value.
Final Verdict
The final call is New England Patriots Win. Detroit Lions receives a C, while New England Patriots receives a C+. Those grades reflect the documented package and the outcomes tied to this exchange, not speculation about what either side might have done differently.