Tampa Bay acquired quarterback Steve DeBerg from Denver in…
Tampa Bay acquired quarterback Steve DeBerg from Denver in April 1984. Denver received 1984 fourth-round No. 89 Randy Robbins plus a conditional future pick tied to DeBerg’s playing time, which became 1985 second-round No. 36 Richard “Ricky” Byrd. DeBerg gave Tampa Bay several seasons of starting quarterback play, producing a modest Buccaneers edge despite Denver’s two-pick return.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1984 fourth round pick (#89-Randy Robbins)
- pick conditional pick that became 1985 second round pick (#36-Richard "Ricky" Byrd)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Steve DeBerg
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Tampa Bay acquired quarterback Steve DeBerg from Denver in April 1984. The Broncos received a 1984 fourth-round selection, No. 89 Randy Robbins, plus a conditional future choice tied to DeBerg's playing time. That condition was satisfied strongly enough for the future compensation to become a 1985 second-round pick, No. 36 Richard “Ricky” Byrd. Denver Broncos Return Denver did well to convert a quarterback it was prepared to move into two draft assets, including a second-round selection once the condition escalated. That is meaningful compensation and prevents the transaction from being viewed as a giveaway. The Broncos gained roster-building flexibility at two different points in the draft and extracted value from DeBerg's future playing time. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Return Tampa Bay received a veteran quarterback who became a multi-season starter and delivered immediate stability at the position. Quarterback play carries more practical value than most mid-round selections when the acquired player can handle a starting workload. DeBerg's sustained role therefore gave the Buccaneers a real football return despite the fact that the conditional structure made the final price more expensive than it first appeared. Value in Hindsight The trade is competitive because Denver's compensation was substantial. A fourth-round pick plus a second-round pick is not a trivial cost. Still, Tampa Bay received the most important realized asset in DeBerg's actual quarterback play, while Denver's selections did not collectively produce a clearly superior on-field outcome. The condition worked as intended by compensating Denver for DeBerg's usage. Final Verdict Tampa Bay earns a B- and Denver a C+. The Buccaneers paid a meaningful price but received multiple seasons of starting quarterback value. Denver negotiated a strong return, yet the realized football benefit still leans toward Tampa Bay. This is a modest Buccaneers win in a deal that served both sides reasonably well.