Denver acquired linebacker Bill Laskey from Baltimore for a…
Denver acquired linebacker Bill Laskey from Baltimore for a 1974 seventh-round pick that became Dan Dickel. Laskey gave the Broncos 25 games and 21 starts over 1973 and 1974, including two interceptions in his first Denver season. Dickel also became useful, playing every game for the Colts from 1974 through 1977 as a reserve linebacker and special-teams contributor. Denver wins narrowly because its return carried the larger starting role.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Bill Laskey
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1974 seventh round pick (#170-Dan Dickel)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On August 14, 1973, Denver acquired veteran linebacker Bill Laskey from Baltimore for a 1974 seventh-round draft choice. The Colts used the 170th overall selection on Dan Dickel. Unlike several late-round exchanges, both sides converted their return into real NFL service. The question is therefore not whether either team gained value, but which type of contribution carried more weight.
Denver Broncos Return
Laskey immediately became a starter. He played 11 games and started all 11 for Denver in 1973, recording two interceptions. In 1974 he appeared in all 14 games and started ten more, adding another interception. Across two Broncos seasons, that produced 25 appearances and 21 starts. For the price of a seventh-round pick, two years of regular linebacker work is a strong return.
Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts Return
Dickel also justified the pick. He played all 56 regular-season games for the Colts from 1974 through 1977. A Colts media guide described him as the primary reserve at all three linebacker positions and a significant special-teams contributor, including blocked-punt work. He was not a full-time starter, but four seasons of dependable reserve and specialty value from a seventh-rounder is meaningful.
Value in Hindsight
This is a close trade because both teams did well. Dickel offered greater longevity, while Laskey provided much more starting responsibility during his two Denver seasons. Starting 21 of 25 games and producing interceptions gives Denver the stronger immediate football impact, but the Colts' four-year return keeps the grade spread narrow.
Final Verdict
Denver wins by a small margin. The Broncos earn a B for two seasons of starting linebacker play. The Colts earn a B- for four complete seasons of reserve and special-teams service from Dickel. Both sides extracted useful value from a modest transaction.