Pittsburgh traded safety Rick Woods to Tampa Bay on September…

The Exchange

Pittsburgh sent safety Rick Woods to Tampa Bay on September 1, 1987 and received the Buccaneers' 1988 tenth-round pick. That choice became No. 252, John Jackson. The transaction was small at the time, involving a veteran defensive back and a very late future selection, but the eventual identity of the pick gave the Steelers a concrete long-term return.

Pittsburgh Steelers Return

Pittsburgh traded safety Rick Woods to Tampa Bay on September 1, 1987 for the Buccaneers' 1988 tenth-round selection. The pick became No. 252, John Jackson. Tampa Bay received immediate secondary depth, while Pittsburgh converted Woods into a later selection that produced a long-term offensive lineman. That durable return gives the Steelers a clear advantage from a modest-cost transaction.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Return

Tampa Bay acquired Rick Woods from Pittsburgh for a 1988 tenth-round pick, later No. 252 and used on John Jackson. Woods addressed an immediate roster need, but the Steelers turned a very late selection into a player who provided substantially more long-term value. The difference in lasting contribution makes Pittsburgh the stronger side without overstating the importance of the original price.

Value in Hindsight

Late-round trades are usually close because the opportunity cost is small. This one separated over time because the Steelers hit on the choice they received. The judgment should focus on the direct Woods-for-pick exchange and the player selected with that pick, not on unrelated later transactions. Once that boundary is kept clear, Pittsburgh's superior realized value is difficult to miss.

Final Verdict

Pittsburgh earns a B+ and Tampa Bay a C. The Buccaneers paid a reasonable price for immediate help, but the Steelers turned that price into John Jackson and received the more durable football value. The scale remains minor because the original asset was a tenth-round pick, yet the outcome still produces a clear Steelers win.