The Cardinals sent Eddie McGill to Indianapolis on July 23,…
The Cardinals sent Eddie McGill to Indianapolis on July 23, 1985 for a conditional 1986 twelfth-round pick. The condition was not exercised, leaving St. Louis without a realized draft selection, while McGill did not produce meaningful regular-season value for the Colts. With neither side converting the transaction into a lasting contribution, the practical outcome was essentially neutral.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 1986 conditional twelfth round pick (not exercised)
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Eddie McGill
Trade Analysis
Why Indianapolis Took the Chance
The Colts acquired Eddie McGill on July 23, 1985 with a low-risk structure: St. Louis would receive a conditional 1986 twelfth-round pick. For Indianapolis, the attraction was obvious. The team could evaluate a player without committing meaningful draft capital unless the condition was reached.
What Happened With the Condition
The conditional selection was not exercised. That meant the Cardinals did not ultimately receive a realized draft pick from the transaction. Conditional trades can still work for the selling team when the player reaches the required threshold, but that did not occur here, so St. Louis finished with no direct asset to evaluate on its side.
What McGill Delivered
McGill also failed to create a meaningful Indianapolis return. His recorded NFL career consisted of a limited number of games, and he did not establish a regular-season Colts role that would turn the no-cost acquisition into a clear success. Indianapolis successfully protected itself from paying the condition, but avoiding a cost is different from creating substantial football value.
How the Value Settled
This transaction produced very little for either club. The Cardinals moved a player but never received the conditional pick. The Colts obtained the player without surrendering the pick, yet did not receive lasting on-field production. The low stakes keep the result from being especially damaging on either side.
Final Verdict
Both clubs receive C- grades. Indianapolis made a sensible low-cost bet and St. Louis risked only the possibility that the condition would not trigger. Because the pick was not exercised and McGill did not become a meaningful Colts contributor, the direct result is an Even Trade.