Detroit Lions received quarterback George Izo and guard Ted…
Detroit Lions received quarterback George Izo and guard Ted Karras; Izo went 2-1 in three 1965 starts, while Karras started 10 of 12 games for Detroit that season. The team earns a C+, compared with C for Washington Commanders, and the hindsight verdict is Detroit Lions Win. That judgment reflects the concrete team-specific production, role and tenure created by the assets in this deal.
Detroit Lions Received
- player George Izo
- player Ted Karras
Washington Commanders Received
- player Darrell Dess
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Detroit and Washington made a veteran-for-veterans exchange during the 1965 season: the Lions acquired quarterback George Izo and guard Ted Karras, while Washington received tackle Darrell Dess. This is a trade where the names themselves do not settle the grade. The useful comparison is the amount and quality of service each club actually received after the move, especially starts at positions where box-score production is limited.
Detroit Lions Return
Detroit received two pieces of immediate depth. Izo appeared in six games and started three at quarterback in 1965, going 2-1 while completing 24 of 59 passes for 357 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions. Karras supplied the steadier value: he played 12 games and started 10 at left guard for the Lions. Izo's passing line was rough, but Detroit still extracted 13 combined starts from the two-player return in that season.
Washington Return
Washington's return, Dess, was useful but shorter on starting volume. He played 13 games with five starts in 1965 and returned for one game and one start in 1966 before moving on from Washington. That gives the club 14 games and six starts from the acquired tackle. Dess was not a non-contributor; he simply did not match the combined starting work Detroit received from Karras plus Izo.
Value in Hindsight
The gap is modest rather than overwhelming. Detroit's quarterback piece produced a poor touchdown-to-interception ratio, so the Lions cannot claim a major win based on Izo's 2-1 starting record alone. Karras is what tilts the transaction: 10 starts at guard, combined with Izo's three starts, gave Detroit more usable lineup service. Washington received a legitimate six-start tackle but less total work and no longer-term payoff from the deal.
Final Verdict
Detroit gets a C+ and a narrow win; Washington receives a C. This is not a blockbuster hindsight victory, but it is no longer accurate to call the returns indistinguishable. Karras' 10 starts and Izo's three quarterback starts gave the Lions materially more immediate lineup value than the 14 games and six starts Dess supplied Washington.