Indianapolis acquired veteran receiver Charlie Brown from…
Indianapolis acquired veteran receiver Charlie Brown from Atlanta on April 27, 1988 for a conditional 1989 twelfth-round pick. Brown had been a former Pro Bowl-level target earlier in the decade, but the Colts released him on July 26 before the regular season. The conditional pick was not exercised, so neither Indianapolis nor Atlanta converted the move into meaningful lasting value.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1989 conditional twelfth round pick (not exercised)
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Charlie Brown
Trade Analysis
Why Indianapolis Took a Look
Charlie Brown was a recognizable veteran receiver when Indianapolis acquired him from Atlanta on April 27, 1988. Earlier in his career he had produced major seasons in Washington and later caught 63 passes for the Falcons in 1986. The Colts paid only a conditional 1989 twelfth-round selection, making the move a low-cost attempt to see whether an experienced target still had useful football left.
What Atlanta Received
Contemporary reporting confirms that Atlanta's compensation was conditional. Indianapolis' historical transaction list marks the twelfth-round choice as one that was not exercised. The Falcons therefore did not receive a drafted player from the move. Atlanta did clear a veteran whose best years with the club were behind him, but the transaction did not create meaningful future capital.
How the Colts' Gamble Ended
Brown never reached the regular season with Indianapolis. Pro Football Archives records the April 27 trade and a July 26 release by the Colts. A later Washington Post retrospective likewise notes that he was picked up and released by Indianapolis in 1988 before his NFL career ended. The Colts consequently received no regular-season production from the acquisition.
Final Verdict
An Even Trade with C grades is the most accurate result. Indianapolis gave up no realized draft asset, but it also gained no regular-season contribution. Atlanta moved on from Brown without receiving the conditional pick. The deal was a reasonable low-cost tryout for the Colts and an uncomplicated exit for the Falcons, yet neither side created enough value to deserve a winning grade.