Chicago acquired defensive back Tom Keane from Baltimore for…
Chicago acquired defensive back Tom Keane from Baltimore for Dick Young in a 1955 exchange whose exact day is listed as approximate by transaction histories. Keane immediately became a productive Cardinals starter and intercepted six passes in 1955. Young gave Baltimore two seasons of reserve backfield service before moving on, leaving Chicago with the clearer on-field return.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Tom Keane
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Dick Young
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
The exchange came during a period when both clubs were reshaping their rosters and moving experienced players to fill immediate needs. Baltimore had used Tom Keane as a highly productive defensive back, including an interception-heavy 1953 season, while Dick Young offered the Colts another backfield option. Transaction histories list the trade in 1955 but mark the January 1 date as approximate, so the evaluation rests on the clearly documented player swap rather than pretending the precise winter day is known.
What Chicago Cardinals Received
Chicago received Tom Keane and got immediate defensive value. The Cardinals used him throughout the 1955 season, and contemporary season records show six interceptions while he also handled occasional kicking duties. He remained a regular in a secondary that also featured Dick Lane and Pat Summerall. That one-season burst mattered because Keane was not merely a name changing teams; he played substantial snaps and created turnovers immediately after leaving Baltimore.
What Baltimore Colts Received
Baltimore received Dick Young, who remained with the Colts for the 1955 and 1956 seasons. He provided legitimate roster depth, but the available career record does not show a role comparable to Keane's starting defensive impact. Young later moved to Pittsburgh, while Keane's first Cardinals season produced a clearly measurable contribution. The Colts therefore received usable service without finding an equivalent difference-maker.
Final Verdict
Arizona Cardinals Win. Chicago gave up a depth-level back and received a defensive back who immediately produced six interceptions and meaningful starting value. Baltimore was not left empty-handed, so a C is fair for Young's two seasons of service, but Keane's immediate impact creates the separation. Chicago earns a B+ because the Cardinals converted the exchange into a productive starter at a premium defensive position.
Keane's immediate six-interception season created the clearest post-trade impact.