St. Louis acquired Jim Butler, but his post-trade Cardinals…
St. Louis acquired Jim Butler, but his post-trade Cardinals service was limited compared with the player sent to Atlanta. Butler did not match Chuck Walker's four-season Falcons run or his 47 games of service. The Cardinals therefore received some identifiable value, but not enough to keep pace with Atlanta's more durable return.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Jim Butler
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Chuck Walker
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On September 26, 1972, Atlanta sent running back Jim Butler to St. Louis for defensive lineman Chuck Walker. This was a direct player-for-player move with no draft choices complicating the comparison. The later results favor Atlanta because Walker remained with the Falcons for several seasons and supplied much more sustained service than Butler provided after joining the Cardinals.
Arizona Cardinals Return
St. Louis received Butler, giving the Cardinals a veteran back who could contribute immediately. His post-trade service, however, was relatively limited and did not develop into the kind of multi-season role Atlanta obtained from Walker. The acquisition therefore had some legitimate roster value, but not enough staying power or volume to make the exchange close in hindsight.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Walker became the centerpiece of the trade's value. He played 47 games for Atlanta across four seasons and made nine starts, providing the Falcons with repeated defensive-line use rather than a short-term appearance. That kind of durability matters greatly in a minor player swap because it turns an ordinary transaction into several years of roster utility.
Value in Hindsight
The advantage is not based on star-level performance; it is based on dependable duration. Atlanta kept getting games and occasional starts from Walker over four seasons, while St. Louis received a smaller post-trade contribution from Butler. With no draft choices or later transactions needed to explain the result, the direct comparison strongly favors the Falcons.
Final Verdict
St. Louis receives a D+ and Atlanta receives a B-. The Falcons win because Walker delivered 47 games, nine starts and four seasons of service, clearly surpassing Butler's more limited Cardinals contribution.