On 1991-10-08, Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions completed a…
On 1991-10-08, Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions completed a deal whose long-term value became clearer after the players and draft choices developed. Neither return developed into a major long-term asset. Detroit deserves some process credit for receiving a third-round pick for a veteran, but the result is judged by realized football value. The result is Even Trade, with Denver Broncos graded C and Detroit Lions graded C.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Harvey Salem
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 1992 third round pick (#81-Thomas McLemore)
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Detroit traded veteran tackle Harvey Salem to Denver on October 8, 1991 for the Broncos' 1992 third-round choice. Denver was adding experienced offensive-line depth during the season, while Detroit exchanged a player for a relatively valuable future pick. The Lions later used that selection, No. 81, on tight end Thomas McLemore, giving the transaction a simple veteran-for-draft-choice structure.
What Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions Received
Neither return developed into a major long-term asset. Salem's Denver tenure was short, so the Broncos received only limited veteran value from the acquired tackle. McLemore played 18 NFL games in his career and caught two passes for 12 yards; his Detroit contribution was similarly modest. The third-round position gave the Lions meaningful opportunity, but the selected player did not convert that opportunity into sustained production.
How the Value Developed
Detroit deserves some process credit for receiving a third-round pick for a veteran, but the result is judged by realized football value. Denver received a player it could use immediately, while Detroit received a selection with more theoretical upside but little eventual production. Because neither side generated a starter-level multi-season return, assigning a strong win to Denver or Detroit would overstate what actually happened after the trade.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Denver obtained short-term line depth, and Detroit obtained a legitimate third-round asset, but both outcomes were small. McLemore's 18-game career prevents the draft return from separating the Lions, while Salem's brief Broncos stay prevents Denver from claiming a durable advantage. Both teams receive a C. The grades recognize that the exchange was defensible at the time without pretending either club created notable long-term value.