Denver acquired Don Hardeman from Baltimore for a 1980…
Denver acquired Don Hardeman from Baltimore for a 1980 twelfth-round pick but released him before the regular season. The Broncos therefore received no game value from the transaction. Because Baltimore used the resulting No. 324 pick on Marvin Sims, who made the roster and played in 32 games over two seasons, Denver's side earns a D.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Don Hardeman
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1980 twelfth round pick (#324-Marvin Sims)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Denver acquired running back Don Hardeman from Baltimore on April 30, 1980 and sent a twelfth-round draft choice in return. That selection became No. 324, which the Colts used on Marvin Sims. The transaction was inexpensive for both sides, but hindsight creates a clear distinction: Hardeman did not make it to the regular season with Denver, while Sims became a two-season roster contributor for Baltimore.
Denver Broncos Return
The Broncos received no regular-season value from Hardeman. He was released before the season, so the acquisition never translated into a game appearance for Denver. That outcome is especially difficult to defend even in a low-cost trade because the club gave away a draft asset and received no on-field return. A D reflects a failed acquisition without overstating the importance of a twelfth-round pick.
Indianapolis Colts Return
Baltimore used the acquired selection on Sims, who made the roster and played in 32 games across the 1980 and 1981 seasons. For a player selected at No. 324, simply becoming a dependable roster piece across two full seasons is a successful conversion of very late draft capital. The Colts therefore received something concrete and durable from an asset that carried little expected value.
Value in Hindsight
The gap is straightforward. Denver's acquired player never appeared in the regular season, while Baltimore's acquired pick produced a player who stayed on the roster and played in dozens of games. The scale remains modest because the cost was only a twelfth-round selection, but the realized-value difference is still clear enough to name a winner.
Final Verdict
Indianapolis Colts Win. The Colts earn a C+ for turning a late pick into two seasons of roster service. Denver receives a D because Hardeman was released before providing any regular-season contribution.