Detroit acquired linebacker Angelo King from Dallas for a…
Detroit acquired linebacker Angelo King from Dallas for a 1986 sixth-round pick that became quarterback Stan Gelbaugh. King immediately became a useful Lions defender, playing full 16-game seasons in 1984 and 1985 and recording 73 tackles with four sacks in 1985. Gelbaugh did not produce regular-season value for Dallas. Detroit therefore received the clearly superior football return from a relatively inexpensive draft choice.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 1986 sixth round pick (#151-Stan Gelbaugh)
Detroit Lions Received
- player Angelo King
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On August 27, 1984, Dallas traded linebacker Angelo King to Detroit for a 1986 sixth-round draft choice. The Cowboys later used that selection, No. 151 overall, on quarterback Stan Gelbaugh. The original price was modest, but hindsight creates a meaningful gap because Detroit received immediate defensive production while Dallas did not receive regular-season output from the player chosen with the pick.
Detroit Lions Return
King became a useful piece of Detroit's defense. He played all 16 games in both 1984 and 1985. In 1985 he recorded 73 tackles and four sacks, then added 20 tackles and two sacks in 11 games in 1986. He remained with Detroit into 1987. That is several seasons of real linebacker service from a player acquired for a sixth-round selection.
Dallas Cowboys Return
Dallas waited two drafts to use the acquired pick on Gelbaugh. Although Gelbaugh eventually had an NFL career elsewhere, he did not provide regular-season value to the Cowboys. For this trade, downstream production with other clubs does not improve Dallas' return. The Cowboys effectively converted King into a draft selection that failed to generate on-field service for them.
Value in Hindsight
The difference is straightforward. Detroit received immediate, multi-year defensive production at a low acquisition cost. Dallas received the possibility of future value but did not realize it on its own roster. King's 1985 season alone substantially exceeds what the Cowboys obtained from the pick.
Final Verdict
Detroit wins comfortably. The Lions earn a B+ for several seasons of useful linebacker play, including a productive 1985 campaign. Dallas earns a D+ because its sixth-round selection produced no regular-season Cowboys value. The trade was inexpensive, but the realized returns were far apart.