Seattle sent Indianapolis a 2015 sixth-round pick for…
Seattle sent Indianapolis a 2015 sixth-round pick for cornerback Marcus Burley and received two seasons of useful secondary depth. Burley appeared in 26 regular-season games for the Seahawks and intercepted two passes. The Colts ultimately used the acquired selection at No. 207 on linebacker Amarlo Herrera, who appeared in only three NFL games. Seattle extracted the clearer on-field value from the modest exchange.
Seattle Seahawks Received
- player Marcus Burley
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 2015 6th round pick (207th overall, Amarlo Herrera)
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Seattle needed secondary depth just before the 2014 season and acquired Marcus Burley from Indianapolis for a future sixth-round pick. The Colts were willing to move a player on the edge of their roster in exchange for draft capital, while the Seahawks sought an immediate contributor for a championship-caliber defense.
What Each Side Actually Got
Burley made Seattle’s roster and appeared in 13 games in 2014 and another 13 in 2015. He worked primarily as a reserve corner and special-teams contributor, recording two interceptions during his Seahawks tenure. Indianapolis received Seattle’s 2015 sixth-round selection. The final draft position was No. 207, which the Colts used on linebacker Amarlo Herrera. Herrera appeared in only three NFL games and did not develop into a lasting Indianapolis piece.
How the Value Aged
Neither asset was a star, so this remains a standard-depth transaction rather than a franchise-changing move. Seattle nevertheless received the more useful result: two seasons of game-day availability in a secondary that demanded dependable depth. Indianapolis held the more flexible asset in the draft pick, but the selection produced almost no realized value.
Why the Margin Matters
Late-round trades should not be graded as if a reserve must become a starter to justify the cost. Seattle paid a sixth-rounder and received 26 games from Burley. That is a sensible conversion of modest capital into immediate roster help, especially for a team competing for championships.
Final Verdict
Seattle Seahawks Win. Seattle earns a B- for turning a late pick into two seasons of useful defensive depth. Indianapolis receives a D+ because the resulting selection, Amarlo Herrera, generated almost no lasting value.