Seattle acquired veteran offensive lineman Bob Cryder from…
Seattle acquired veteran offensive lineman Bob Cryder from New England for a future selection that ultimately became the Patriots’ 1986 second-round pick, No. 42. Cryder immediately started 10 games in 1984 and 14 more in 1985 for the Seahawks. New England used the pick on nose tackle Mike Ruth, whose NFL career lasted only eight games. Seattle received substantially more realized value.
New England Patriots Received
- pick 1986 second round pick (#42, Mike Ruth)
Seattle Seahawks Received
- player Bob Cryder
Trade Analysis
The Documented Exchange
Seattle’s official transaction history dates this trade to July 3, 1984, correcting the July 31 date attached to the old record. The Seahawks list the consideration as a 1986 second-round pick, No. 42, sent to New England for tackle Bob Cryder. That selection later became Boston College nose tackle Mike Ruth. The official team history therefore resolves both the transaction date and the realized draft asset without relying on the earlier conditional wording.
What Seattle Received
Cryder stepped directly into Seattle’s offensive line. Pro Football Reference credits him with 16 games and 10 starts at right tackle in 1984, followed by 15 games and 14 starts in 1985. He appeared once more in 1986, finishing his Seahawks tenure with 32 games and 24 starts. That is solid two-season starting value from a veteran acquired for a future draft choice, especially because he occupied a regular role during Seattle’s competitive mid-1980s teams.
What New England Received
The Patriots eventually exercised the compensation as the 42nd pick of the 1986 draft and selected Mike Ruth. Ruth had been a highly regarded college defensive lineman, but his professional return was extremely limited. He played six games as a rookie and two more in 1987, never making an NFL start. His career Approximate Value was one. The premium draft slot therefore failed to turn into comparable on-field service.
Final Verdict
The trade should be judged on realized NFL value, not only the theoretical price of a second-round selection. Seattle received 24 starts and two meaningful seasons from Cryder. New England received a valuable pick but converted it into a player who appeared in eight games. That gap reverses the old verdict. The Seahawks earn an A- for obtaining a useful starter, while the Patriots receive a D+ because the draft return did not develop.