Cleveland acquired safety Don Fleming from the Cardinals for…
Cleveland acquired safety Don Fleming from the Cardinals for its 1961 sixth-round pick. Fleming became an immediate Browns starter, starting all 38 games he played over three seasons and intercepting 10 passes. The Cardinals used pick No. 83 on Dick Thornton, who chose the CFL and never played an NFL game. Cleveland turned a sixth-round choice into an outstanding short-career starter.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 1961 sixth round pick (#83-Dick Thornton)
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Don Fleming
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Cleveland acquired defensive back Don Fleming from the Cardinals in exchange for its 1961 sixth-round draft choice. Cleveland's official draft history identifies that choice as the one sent to St. Louis for Fleming, and draft records show the Cardinals used No. 83 on Northwestern's Dick Thornton.
Arizona Cardinals Return
Cleveland acquired safety Don Fleming from the Cardinals for its 1961 sixth-round pick. Fleming became an immediate Browns starter, starting all 38 games he played over three seasons and intercepting 10 passes. The Cardinals used pick No. 83 on Dick Thornton, who chose the CFL and never played an NFL game. Cleveland turned a sixth-round choice into an outstanding short-career starter.
Cleveland Browns Return
The Cardinals received Cleveland's 1961 sixth-round pick and selected Dick Thornton at No. 83, but Thornton signed in Canada and never played in the NFL. Don Fleming started every one of his 38 Browns games and intercepted 10 passes before his life was cut short in 1963. The realized NFL value overwhelmingly favors Cleveland.
Value in Hindsight
A sixth-round choice producing no NFL games cannot match three seasons of full-time starting safety play and 10 interceptions. Fleming's career was tragically short, yet from a transaction standpoint Cleveland still received elite value relative to the cost. Thornton's CFL accomplishments should not be miscredited to St. Louis.
Final Verdict
Cleveland wins decisively. The Browns earn an A- for acquiring a three-year every-game starter with 10 interceptions for a sixth-round pick. The Cardinals earn a D+ because their selection never played in the NFL.