Seattle acquired running back and returner Horace Ivory from…
Seattle acquired running back and returner Horace Ivory from New England for a 1982 third-round pick. Ivory played 12 games for the Seahawks across 1981-82, rushing for 89 yards and returning 25 kickoffs for 505 yards. New England used No. 60 on linebacker Clayton Weishuhn, who started 26 of 30 games and set a franchise single-season tackle record in 1983. The Patriots received the stronger long-term return.
New England Patriots Received
- pick 1982 third round pick (#60-Clayton Weishuhn)
Seattle Seahawks Received
- player Horace Ivory
Trade Analysis
Why Seattle Acquired Ivory
Ivory had already been productive for New England, including an 11-touchdown rushing season in 1978 and strong kickoff-return work. Seattle added him in September 1981 as experienced backfield and special-teams depth, giving up a future third-round selection for a player who could help immediately.
What Ivory Gave the Seahawks
Ivory appeared in six games for Seattle in 1981 and six more in 1982. He rushed 22 times for 89 yards with one touchdown and returned 25 kickoffs for 505 yards over those two seasons. The role was useful but limited, and he did not become a long-term offensive fixture.
How New England Used the Pick
The Patriots used the No. 60 selection in 1982 on linebacker Clayton Weishuhn. He played 30 games for New England and started 26. The Patriots later credited him with a franchise-record 229 tackles during the 1983 season, showing how quickly the third-rounder became a central defensive player.
Why the Patriots Win
Seattle received some short-term depth and return-game work, so Ivory was not valueless. New England, however, turned the pick into a starting linebacker whose best season reached a franchise-record level. Even though Weishuhn's NFL career was shortened, his 1983 production created more impact than Ivory's 12 Seattle games.
Final Verdict
New England receives an A- and Seattle a C. The Seahawks got modest immediate usefulness from Ivory, but Weishuhn became a starting defender and produced one of the most productive tackling seasons in Patriots history. That difference in role and peak impact gives New England a decisive advantage.