Arizona received tight end Dave Little. His acquisition…
Arizona received tight end Dave Little. His acquisition provided the Cardinals with the more direct player return, and the available career record supports a small edge over Denver's late-round selection rather than a large or franchise-changing advantage. The C+ grade reflects that realized football value and the complete supported package, while the overall verdict is Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Win.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Dave Little
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 1991 eighth round pick (#198-Greg Amsler)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1990-08-14, Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos completed this exchange. Arizona Cardinals received Dave Little, while Denver Broncos received 1991 eighth round pick (#198-Greg Amsler). Historical team, draft, and player records support that package and provide enough career context to compare what each side actually gained.
Arizona Cardinals Return
Arizona received tight end Dave Little. His acquisition provided the Cardinals with the more direct player return, and the available career record supports a small edge over Denver's late-round selection rather than a large or franchise-changing advantage. The C+ grade reflects that realized football value and the complete supported package, while the overall verdict is Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Win.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver received the 1991 eighth-round choice at No. 198 and used it on Greg Amsler. The late selection offered some future value, but the eventual return was modest and did not clearly exceed what Arizona received in Dave Little. The C grade reflects that realized football value and the complete supported package, while the overall verdict is Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Win.
Value in Hindsight
The decisive difference is realized value rather than the nominal size of the package. Arizona Cardinals turned its return into the stronger on-field outcome, while Denver Broncos received less durable or less productive value. That gap supports the Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Win conclusion and the C+ versus C grading split.
Final Verdict
The final call is Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Win. Arizona Cardinals earns a C+, and Denver Broncos earns a C. Those grades weigh the documented assets, the length and quality of the resulting contributions, and the practical value each club actually realized after the exchange.