Cincinnati sent Greg Fairchild to the New York Giants on…
Cincinnati sent Greg Fairchild to the New York Giants on August 1, 1980 for a conditional draft choice that would have been owed only if Fairchild made the Giants' roster. He did not make the regular-season roster, so the condition was not met and the pick was never exercised. With New York receiving no regular-season contribution and Cincinnati receiving no draft asset, the transaction produced no realized advantage for either club and belongs as an Even Trade.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick conditional draft pick (if Fairchild made Giants roster; not exercised)
New York Giants Received
- player Greg Fairchild
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
New York took a low-risk look at Greg Fairchild during the 1980 preseason. Cincinnati agreed to a conditional return rather than requiring an immediate pick, so the Giants would owe draft compensation only if Fairchild made the club. Bengals historical material dates the transaction to August 1, 1980, one day earlier than the date previously attached to this record.
What Cincinnati Received
The Bengals' return was conditional and ultimately never became an actual draft choice. The condition required Fairchild to make the Giants' roster. Because he did not, Cincinnati did not receive a selection. That leaves the Bengals without realized asset value from the transaction, although the structure protected New York from paying for a player it did not keep.
What New York Received
The Giants received the opportunity to evaluate Fairchild in camp and the preseason, but he did not become a regular-season player for New York. Roster records do not list him on the Giants' 1980 regular-season team. The acquisition therefore produced no meaningful game contribution, and because the condition failed, New York also avoided surrendering the future pick.
How the Value Developed
This is an example of a conditional transaction ending almost exactly at zero. Cincinnati lost the player's rights but received no pick because the triggering condition never occurred. New York gained a temporary evaluation opportunity but no regular-season service. There is no basis to award a directional win merely because the Giants avoided payment; the agreement was designed to work that way if Fairchild failed to make the club.
Final Verdict
Both teams receive a C and the trade is Even. The corrected date is August 1, the conditional pick was not exercised, and Fairchild did not create regular-season value for New York. With neither side realizing a lasting asset, a C/C split best reflects the outcome.