The 1988 Neil Smith Trade: Kansas City Landed a Star, but Detroit Landed Two Cornerstones
Kansas City paid the third and 29th picks to move to No. 2 for Neil Smith. Smith became a Chiefs legend, but Detroit answered with Bennie Blades and Chris Spielman.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 1988 first round pick (#3-Bennie Blades)
- pick 1988 second round pick (#29-Chris Spielman)
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- pick 1988 first round pick (#2-Neil Smith)
Trade Summary
Kansas City moved from No. 3 to No. 2 and selected Neil Smith, who became a six-time Pro Bowler and one of the franchise's great pass rushers. Detroit moved down one spot and selected Bennie Blades, then used the added second-round pick on Chris Spielman. The Lions received two foundational defenders, but the Chiefs also landed an excellent player.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Kansas City moved from No. 3 to No. 2 in the 1988 draft and gave Detroit the 29th pick as the price for moving up one slot. The Chiefs selected Nebraska defensive end Neil Smith. Detroit used No. 3 on safety Bennie Blades and No. 29 on linebacker Chris Spielman.
Why Kansas City Has No Reason to Regret It
Smith became one of the greatest pass rushers in Chiefs history. He recorded 86.5 sacks and 29 forced fumbles in Kansas City, produced four straight double-digit-sack seasons from 1992 through 1995 and became one half of a feared edge tandem with Derrick Thomas. He was a foundational defender for a franchise-record run of six consecutive playoff appearances.
Why Detroit Still Won the Value Comparison
The remarkable part is that Detroit's return was also exceptional. Blades became a Pro Bowl safety and defensive leader. Spielman became one of the most productive and beloved linebackers in franchise history, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections with Detroit and helping form the core of the Lions teams that repeatedly reached the postseason in the 1990s.
Detroit's own retrospective has called the transaction a contender for the best draft trade in franchise history. That is understandable: moving down only one position produced two long-term defensive leaders.
The Long-Term Legacy
This is one of the rare trades where both sides can claim a major success. Kansas City identified a star and secured him. Detroit leveraged Kansas City's urgency into two foundational players.
Final Verdict
The Detroit Lions Win verdict remains appropriate, but only narrowly. Smith was outstanding; Detroit wins because Blades plus Spielman created even more combined long-term value.