Baltimore acquired Earl Morrall from the Giants in August…
Baltimore acquired Earl Morrall from the Giants in August 1968, with tight end Butch Wilson becoming the final return to New York. Morrall immediately replaced an injured Johnny Unitas, led the Colts to a 13-1 record and won NFL MVP honors before helping the franchise win Super Bowl V two years later. Wilson never approached that impact, making Baltimore the overwhelming winner.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Earl Morrall
New York Giants Received
- player Butch Wilson
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
The Giants moved Earl Morrall to Baltimore late in the 1968 preseason after Johnny Unitas suffered a serious elbow injury. The initial compensation was described as an undisclosed or high draft choice, but Colts transaction history records the completed exchange as tight end Butch Wilson to New York for Morrall. Wilson was sent to the Giants in early September to close the deal.
Why Morrall Became an Immediate Jackpot
Morrall did not merely keep the offense functional. He led Baltimore to a 13-1 regular-season record, threw 26 touchdown passes and won the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 1968. The Colts reached Super Bowl III, and two seasons later Morrall again delivered when called upon, replacing an injured Unitas during the Super Bowl V victory over Dallas. Few emergency acquisitions have produced a faster or larger return.
How the Giants' Logic Backfired
New York had Fran Tarkenton and viewed Morrall as expendable veteran depth. That roster logic was understandable, but the realized return was weak. Butch Wilson never provided value remotely comparable to an MVP quarterback, while Morrall's ability to thrive in Baltimore showed that his limited Giants role had obscured what he could still do.
Final Verdict
Baltimore wins overwhelmingly. The Colts acquired an MVP, Super Bowl contributor and ideal veteran insurance policy for a modest final return. New York cleared a crowded quarterback room but failed to capture the value of the player it moved. An A+ for the Colts and D for the Giants reflects that enormous gap.