Atlanta received Charles Greer, Jerry Simmons, and the 1976…
Atlanta received Charles Greer, Jerry Simmons, and the 1976 sixth-round choice used on Stan Varner. The three-piece package looked broader, but it also produced little durable NFL value, leaving the Falcons without enough payoff to create a meaningful edge. The D grade reflects that realized football value and the complete supported package, while the overall verdict is Even Trade.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Charles Greer
- player Jerry Simmons
- pick 1976 sixth round pick (#169-Stan Varner)
Denver Broncos Received
- player Clarence Ellis
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1975-04-26, Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos completed this exchange. Atlanta Falcons received Charles Greer; Jerry Simmons; 1976 sixth round pick (#169-Stan Varner), while Denver Broncos received Clarence Ellis. Historical team, draft, and player records support that package and provide enough career context to compare what each side actually gained.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta received Charles Greer, Jerry Simmons, and the 1976 sixth-round choice used on Stan Varner. The three-piece package looked broader, but it also produced little durable NFL value, leaving the Falcons without enough payoff to create a meaningful edge. The D grade reflects that realized football value and the complete supported package, while the overall verdict is Even Trade.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver received Clarence Ellis, but he never appeared in a regular-season game for the Broncos. The absence of on-field return sharply limited Denver's value and keeps its side of the deal in the low range despite Ellis' prior NFL experience. The D grade reflects that realized football value and the complete supported package, while the overall verdict is Even Trade.
Value in Hindsight
The returns were different in shape but close in overall effect. Atlanta Falcons received useful value without a decisive long-term windfall, while Denver Broncos also obtained a meaningful return without clearly separating from the other side. The D and D grades reflect that balance.
Final Verdict
The final call is Even Trade. Atlanta Falcons earns a D, and Denver Broncos earns a D. Those grades weigh the documented assets, the length and quality of the resulting contributions, and the practical value each club actually realized after the exchange.