Green Bay acquired veteran defensive back Dave Brown from…
Green Bay acquired veteran defensive back Dave Brown from Seattle on August 26, 1987, for an eleventh-round pick in the 1988 draft. Brown immediately became a Packers starter and opened 44 games across three seasons, intercepting 12 passes. Seattle's future selection became Rick McLeod at No. 284 and produced no comparable NFL value. Green Bay bought several years of starting secondary play for a minimal draft price.
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Dave Brown (Steven)
Seattle Seahawks Received
- pick 1988 eleventh round pick (#284-Rick McLeod)
Trade Analysis
Why Green Bay Made the Deal
Green Bay needed veteran secondary help and acquired Dave Brown from Seattle just before the 1987 season. The cost was only an eleventh-round pick in the following draft. For the Packers, that was a small bet on an established defensive back. Seattle chose future capital over keeping an older player.
What Green Bay Received
Brown became an immediate starter and delivered exactly the type of value that makes late-pick veteran trades attractive. He started all 44 games he played for Green Bay across the 1987, 1988 and 1989 seasons. He intercepted 12 passes during that span, including six in 1989. The Packers therefore received three seasons of dependable starting work for one very late selection.
What Seattle Received
The Seahawks' acquired 1988 eleventh-round pick landed at No. 284 and became Rick McLeod. The selection did not produce meaningful NFL value. Late picks naturally carry long odds, so Seattle's outcome is not shocking, but the contrast is severe because Brown remained productive immediately after the trade.
How the Value Settled
This transaction shows the advantage of using low-probability draft capital to buy a known contributor. Green Bay surrendered a choice near the end of the draft and received 44 starts. Seattle gained flexibility and opened a roster spot, but the actual pick did not replenish the value that left with Brown.
Final Verdict
Green Bay wins clearly. The Packers earn a B+ for acquiring three years of starting secondary play at a tiny price. Seattle receives a D because the lone return failed to become an NFL contributor. Brown's sustained production makes this one of the easiest calls in the wave despite the trade's modest headline value.