Cleveland acquired Bill Glass, Jim Ninowski, Howard Cassady…
Cleveland acquired Bill Glass, Jim Ninowski, Howard Cassady and the 1963 fifth-round pick that became Frank Baker from Detroit for Milt Plum, Tom Watkins and Dave Lloyd. Glass became a long-term Browns defensive fixture, while Plum and Watkins supplied Detroit with meaningful offensive value. The durable returns on both sides keep this large 1962 exchange close to even.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Bill Glass
- player Jim Ninowski
- player Howard Cassady / Hopalong Cassady
- pick 1963 fifth round pick (#68-Frank Baker)
Detroit Lions Received
- player Milt Plum
- player Tom Watkins / Tommy Watkins
- player Dave Lloyd
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Cleveland and Detroit completed a seven-asset transaction in March 1962. The Browns received Bill Glass, Jim Ninowski, Howard Cassady and a 1963 fifth-round choice that became Frank Baker. Detroit received quarterback Milt Plum, running back Tom Watkins and linebacker Dave Lloyd. The size of the package makes the result depend on several careers rather than one decisive asset.
Cleveland Browns Return
Cleveland acquired Bill Glass, Jim Ninowski, Howard Cassady and the 1963 fifth-round pick that became Frank Baker from Detroit for Milt Plum, Tom Watkins and Dave Lloyd. Glass became a long-term Browns defensive fixture, while Plum and Watkins supplied Detroit with meaningful offensive value. The durable returns on both sides keep this large 1962 exchange close to even.
Detroit Lions Return
Detroit sent Bill Glass, Jim Ninowski, Howard Cassady and a future fifth-round pick to Cleveland for Milt Plum, Tom Watkins and Dave Lloyd. Plum gave the Lions useful quarterback play and Watkins added backfield production, while Glass became an important Browns defender. With substantial football value realized by each club, neither side separated enough for a clear win.
Value in Hindsight
Glass had the longest and most visible Cleveland impact, but Detroit received enough practical production from Plum and Watkins to keep the exchange from becoming one-sided. The fifth-round pick did not create a star-level swing by itself, and neither Ninowski nor Cassady overwhelmed the value Detroit obtained. The transaction produced different kinds of value, yet both organizations could point to genuine football returns.
Final Verdict
Cleveland and Detroit each earn a C+. The Browns benefited from Glass's sustained defensive importance, while the Lions received useful offensive production and roster depth from Plum, Watkins and Lloyd. Because the strongest Cleveland asset is balanced by multiple meaningful Detroit contributors, the fairest hindsight result remains an Even Trade rather than a narrow win for either side.