Denver acquired tackle-center Dave Widell from Dallas in…
Denver acquired tackle-center Dave Widell from Dallas in August 1990 for a 1991 seventh-round pick that became Leon Lett and a conditional 1992 selection. Widell went on to a 156-game NFL career and gave Denver substantial line value, while Lett became a major Cowboys defender. Dallas wins the trade, but Denver also received a productive long-term player, so both grades stay strong.
Denver Broncos Received
- player David Widell / Dave Widell
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 1991 seventh round pick (#173-Leon Lett)
- pick 1992 conditional pick (probably #222-Mike Pawlawski)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On August 24, 1990, Dallas traded Dave Widell to Denver. The return included a 1991 seventh-round pick, No. 173 Leon Lett, plus a conditional 1992 selection that transaction histories associate with No. 222 Mike Pawlawski. Denver's historical transaction summaries independently confirm Widell arriving from Dallas for the 1991 seventh-round choice.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver received far more than a disposable veteran. Widell built a 156-game NFL career and became a useful multi-position offensive lineman, giving the Broncos years of practical value after the trade. That contribution is substantial enough for a B grade. Denver lost the transaction only because one of the surrendered picks became an unusually successful seventh-round player.
Dallas Cowboys Return
Dallas used the seventh-round choice on Leon Lett, who played 121 NFL games, produced 43 career Approximate Value and became an important defensive lineman during the Cowboys' championship era. The conditional 1992 asset added further return. Landing a player of Lett's quality from a seventh-round slot gives Dallas the higher grade even though Widell also succeeded.
Value in Hindsight
This should not be treated as a case where one club was fleeced. Widell was a real long-term contributor, so Denver received exactly the kind of useful veteran value teams seek in a trade. Dallas simply achieved the rarer outcome by turning a seventh-round selection into Lett. The Cowboys therefore win B+ to B, not A+ to D.
Final Verdict
The final call is Dallas Cowboys Win. Denver Broncos receives a B grade and Dallas Cowboys receives a B+ grade. The grades weigh the actual football value created after the transaction, the cost paid, the length and quality of each return, and the uncertainty that still exists in the historical evidence. The judgment stays proportional to the size of the move rather than treating a depth transaction or late pick swap like a franchise-changing blockbuster.