Atlanta acquired guard Greg Kindle and the 1977 first-round…
Atlanta acquired guard Greg Kindle and the 1977 first-round choice that became defensive lineman Wilson Faumuina for veteran defensive end John Zook. Kindle's stay was brief, but Faumuina gave the Falcons five seasons and 74 games. That combination supplied Atlanta with more total value than Zook's four solid seasons in St. Louis, though the margin was not overwhelming.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player John Zook
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Greg Kindle
- pick 1977 first round pick (#20-Wilson Faumuina)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Atlanta moved veteran defensive end John Zook to St. Louis for guard Greg Kindle and a 1977 first-round pick. That choice landed at No. 20 and became Wilson Faumuina, giving the Falcons a second, much more important avenue for value after Kindle's short stay.
Why Atlanta Came Out Ahead
Kindle was not the reason this trade worked. Faumuina was. He spent five seasons with Atlanta, appeared in 74 games and developed into a useful defensive-line piece. A first-round selection that produces several seasons of rotation and starting value is meaningful, especially when paired with another player in the original return.
What St. Louis Got from John Zook
The Cardinals still received a legitimate veteran. Zook had been a durable Atlanta starter and remained productive enough to play four seasons in St. Louis, appearing in 46 games and starting 36. That keeps this from looking like a giveaway and supports a respectable grade for the Cardinals.
Why the Extra Draft Asset Matters
The difference is portfolio value. St. Louis received one established player, while Atlanta received Kindle plus a premium pick. Even though Kindle did not last, Faumuina's five-year run gave the Falcons more cumulative team-controlled value than the Cardinals realized from the back half of Zook's career.
Final Verdict
Atlanta wins, but not by a landslide. Zook gave St. Louis credible veteran production, while Faumuina justified the first-round component and turned the package into the better long-term return. The Falcons earn a B; the Cardinals receive a C+ for getting useful immediate value without matching Atlanta's combined return.