Green Bay acquired linebacker Don Hansen from expansion…
Green Bay acquired linebacker Don Hansen from expansion Seattle for cash on September 21, 1976. Hansen quickly became a defensive regular, starting the final ten games of the season and recording 79 solo tackles plus 23 assists according to the Packers' next media guide. Seattle received financial consideration rather than a football asset. That immediate starting production makes Green Bay the clear winner.
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Don Hansen
Seattle Seahawks Received
- other cash
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On September 21, 1976, Seattle traded linebacker Don Hansen to Green Bay for cash. The Seahawks' official all-time trade history records the transaction, and Green Bay's subsequent records show Hansen moving directly into a significant defensive role. Because the cash amount is not publicly established, it should be acknowledged as consideration without assigning speculative downstream roster value to Seattle.
Green Bay Packers Return
Hansen gave the Packers immediate help. Green Bay's 1977 media guide says he started the final ten games of the 1976 season after his acquisition. The same guide credits him with 79 solo tackles and 23 assists, placing him among the defense's leading tacklers. Pro Football Reference likewise lists 11 games and 10 starts for Green Bay in 1976. That is substantial same-season production from a midseason acquisition.
Seattle Seahawks Return
Seattle received cash, which had legitimate organizational value for an expansion franchise, but the surviving record does not establish the amount or connect it to a specific football asset. Without that evidence, the cash cannot be treated as though it produced a player or draft choice. The Seahawks therefore receive credit for obtaining consideration, but not for unproven downstream value.
Value in Hindsight
Green Bay's side is concrete: ten starts and heavy tackling production from a veteran linebacker. Seattle's side is financially real but football-opaque. That imbalance makes the verdict straightforward while still keeping the Seahawks out of failing territory because they did receive consideration rather than losing Hansen for nothing.
Final Verdict
Green Bay wins. The Packers earn a B+ for acquiring an immediate defensive starter and high-volume tackler for cash. Seattle earns a C because the club received legitimate but unquantified financial consideration, with no supported football return that approaches Hansen's visible production.