Denver acquired Craig Morton from the Giants for quarterback…
Denver acquired Craig Morton from the Giants for quarterback Steve Ramsey and a 1978 fifth-round pick. Morton immediately stabilized the Broncos, won major AFC player honors in 1977 and led the franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance. The timing and magnitude of that impact make the trade one of Denver’s most important quarterback moves.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Craig Morton
New York Giants Received
- player Steve Ramsey
- pick 1978 fifth round pick (#137-Brian DeRoo)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Denver acquired Craig Morton from the New York Giants on March 7, 1977, sending quarterback Steve Ramsey and a 1978 fifth-round choice in return. The Giants later used that pick, No. 137 overall, on Brian DeRoo. The spelling matters because historical Broncos material can be difficult to read, but contemporary player records identify the selection as DeRoo.
Why Denver Gets the Edge
Morton changed the trajectory of the Broncos immediately. Denver had never reached the playoffs before 1977; with Morton taking over at quarterback, the club went 12-2, won the AFC and advanced to Super Bowl XII. He earned major AFC player recognition that season and gave an already excellent defense enough stability and big-play passing to turn Denver into a championship contender. Even without a Super Bowl victory, delivering the franchise’s first conference title is enormous trade value.
How New York’s Return Held Up
Ramsey did not become a meaningful long-term answer for the Giants, and DeRoo did not develop into a player capable of balancing Morton’s Denver impact. New York was moving a veteran quarterback who had not transformed its own fortunes, so the decision to seek compensation was understandable. The problem is that the return failed to create either a lasting starter or premium future value, while Morton flourished almost immediately after leaving.
Final Verdict
Denver earns an A because Morton delivered the club’s first Super Bowl season and remained a significant starter beyond 1977. New York receives a D because Ramsey and the fifth-round pick produced little lasting return. The Broncos won this deal through immediate, historic quarterback value, and the corrected DeRoo identification does not change the overwhelming result.