Detroit sent veteran quarterback Bill Munson to expansion…
Detroit sent veteran quarterback Bill Munson to expansion Seattle for a 1977 fifth-round pick that became No. 114 Ron Crosby. Munson gave Seattle only five appearances and no starts, but the Lions' acquired selection did not develop into a meaningful NFL return. Detroit gained draft capital, yet the realized result remained modest.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 1977 fifth round pick (#114-Ron Crosby)
Seattle Seahawks Received
- player Bill Munson
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Expansion Seattle acquired veteran quarterback Bill Munson from Detroit on September 6, 1976. The Seahawks surrendered a 1977 fifth-round selection, later used by the Lions on Ron Crosby at No. 114. Both teams were making a low-cost roster decision rather than a franchise-defining move.
What Seattle Received
Munson gave the new Seahawks experienced quarterback depth. NFL records show five appearances without a start for Seattle in 1976. He completed 20 of 37 passes for 295 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. The numbers were modest, but he provided a veteran option to an expansion roster navigating its first season.
What Detroit Received
Detroit recovered a future fifth-round choice and used it on Crosby. The selection did not become a meaningful long-term NFL contributor for the Lions. That limits the practical payoff from moving Munson, even though acquiring a draft choice for a veteran reserve was sound roster management at the time.
Why Seattle Gets the Slight Edge
Neither club received major value. Seattle at least converted its fifth-rounder into identifiable regular-season quarterback snaps during the difficult inaugural season. Detroit's pick did not deliver comparable playing value. The gap is small enough to keep both grades near the middle, but it favors the Seahawks.
Historical Context
Because this was Seattle's first season, a veteran quarterback had value beyond raw statistics. Munson offered professional experience to a new roster even though he never became the team's long-term starter.
Final Verdict
Seattle receives a B- and Detroit receives a C. The Seahawks win narrowly because Munson supplied immediate veteran depth and game action, while the fifth-round selection Detroit received did not become a meaningful regular-season return.