Seattle traded linebacker Fredd Young to Indianapolis for…
Seattle traded linebacker Fredd Young to Indianapolis for first-round selections in both 1989 and 1990. The 1989 pick became tackle Andy Heck, while the 1990 first-rounder later became part of Seattle's trade-up for Cortez Kennedy rather than a direct Ray Agnew selection. Turning one veteran into two premium assets created enormous flexibility and helped shape the Seahawks for years.
Seattle Seahawks Received
- pick 1989 first round pick (#15-Andy Heck)
- pick 1990 first round pick (later used in trade-up for Cortez Kennedy)
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Fredd Young
Trade Analysis
Indianapolis was buying pedigree. Fredd Young had made four consecutive Pro Bowls with Seattle and was one of the league's better linebackers, but a contract dispute had created an opening for a trade. The Colts responded aggressively, sending first-round selections in both 1989 and 1990. Young did provide real snaps in Indianapolis, appearing in 41 games across three seasons, so the club did not receive nothing for its investment.
The price, however, was enormous. Seattle used the 1989 first-rounder at No. 15 on tackle Andy Heck, who became a long-term NFL starter. The 1990 first-round selection is also important to describe correctly: Seattle did not simply use it on Ray Agnew. The Seahawks packaged that first-round asset with another selection in a trade with New England that allowed them to move up and select defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy. Kennedy became one of the greatest players in franchise history and later entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
That downstream move should not be treated as though the Colts alone "gave Seattle Cortez Kennedy," because Seattle had to add more value to climb the board. Still, the acquired first-rounder was essential currency in the trade-up and greatly increased the value Seattle extracted from the Young transaction.
Young never approached the same individual impact with Indianapolis that he had delivered in Seattle, making two first-round picks an excessive price. The Colts get credit for acquiring an established starter rather than a bust, but Seattle transformed one veteran into a starting tackle and a critical premium asset in the path to Kennedy. That combination makes this a decisive Seahawks win.