Pittsburgh Steelers Win
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired quarterback Bobby Layne from Detroit for Earl Morrall plus a 1959 second-round pick and a 1960 fourth-round pick. Layne energized the Steelers' offense and made multiple Pro Bowls with the franchise before retiring. Analysis: Bobby Layne delivered four productive seasons in Pittsburgh, including multiple Pro Bowl nods, and is credited with transforming the team's competitive identity. Morrall became a reliable backup elsewhere. The 1959 second-round pick (#19, Mike Rabold) was a mid-level guard; the 1960 fourth (#42, Roger Brown) developed into a Pro Bowl defensive tackle for Detroit — a cost Pittsburgh eventually paid. Net-net, Layne's impact in Pittsburgh was genuine and the picks were not premium. Upgrading from C+ / "Detroit Lean" to a slight Pittsburgh edge.
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player Bobby Layne
Detroit Lions Received
- player Earl Morrall
- pick 1959 second round pick (#19-Mike Rabold)
- pick 1960 fourth round pick (#42-Roger Brown)
Trade Summary
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired quarterback Bobby Layne from Detroit for Earl Morrall plus a 1959 second-round pick and a 1960 fourth-round pick. Layne energized the Steelers' offense and made multiple Pro Bowls with the franchise before retiring. Analysis: Bobby Layne delivered four productive seasons in Pittsburgh, including multiple Pro Bowl nods, and is credited with transforming the team's competitive identity. Morrall became a reliable backup elsewhere. The 1959 second-round pick (#19, Mike Rabold) was a mid-level guard; the 1960 fourth (#42, Roger Brown) developed into a Pro Bowl defensive tackle for Detroit — a cost Pittsburgh eventually paid. Net-net, Layne's impact in Pittsburgh was genuine and the picks were not premium. Upgrading from C+ / "Detroit Lean" to a slight Pittsburgh edge.
Trade Analysis
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired quarterback Bobby Layne from Detroit for Earl Morrall plus a 1959 second-round pick and a 1960 fourth-round pick. Layne energized the Steelers' offense and made multiple Pro Bowls with the franchise before retiring. Analysis: Bobby Layne delivered four productive seasons in Pittsburgh, including multiple Pro Bowl nods, and is credited with transforming the team's competitive identity. Morrall became a reliable backup elsewhere. The 1959 second-round pick (#19, Mike Rabold) was a mid-level guard; the 1960 fourth (#42, Roger Brown) developed into a Pro Bowl defensive tackle for Detroit — a cost Pittsburgh eventually paid. Net-net, Layne's impact in Pittsburgh was genuine and the picks were not premium. Upgrading from C+ / "Detroit Lean" to a slight Pittsburgh edge. Detroit Lions received Earl Morrall; 1959 second round pick (#19-Mike Rabold); 1960 fourth round pick (#42-Roger Brown) and gave up Bobby Layne. The partner grade reflects the same value curve from the opposite side of the transaction.