The Raiders acquired James Lofton from Green Bay on April 13,…
The Raiders acquired James Lofton from Green Bay on April 13, 1987, for a 1987 third-round pick and a conditional 1988 selection that ultimately became a fourth-rounder. Green Bay used the picks on Frankie Neal and Rollin Putzier. Lofton supplied two seasons of veteran receiving value for the Raiders, while the Packers' return produced comparatively modest NFL impact.
Green Bay Packers Received
- pick 1987 third round pick (#71-Frankie Neal)
- pick 1988 fourth round pick (#88-Rollin Putzier)
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player James Lofton
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
The Raiders acquired wide receiver James Lofton from Green Bay in April 1987. Green Bay received a 1987 third-round selection used on Frankie Neal and a 1988 fourth-round selection used on Rollin Putzier. Contemporary coverage described the second choice as conditional, while the Packers' completed trade history identifies the eventual fourth-round pick.
Why the Date Is Settled
The NFL transaction page records the trade on April 13, 1987. Green Bay's official Hall of Fame biography for Lofton also states that the Packers traded him on April 13, and United Press International reported the acquisition that Monday. A Packers transaction compilation lists April 14, which aligns with next-day publication timing, but the league listing, team biography and same-day wire report establish April 13 as the transaction date.
How the Return Played Out
Lofton gave the Raiders two seasons of veteran receiving production before continuing his Hall of Fame career elsewhere. Green Bay's two selections produced much less NFL value. Neal caught 25 passes in two Packers seasons, while Putzier appeared in only a small number of NFL games and did not become a comparable long-term contributor.
Value on Both Sides
Green Bay recovered two draft choices for a veteran it was prepared to move, so the Packers did receive legitimate roster-building assets. The Raiders, however, acquired a proven elite receiver who remained productive and extended a career that ultimately reached the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Final Verdict
The canonical date is April 13, 1987. The existing Raiders-win verdict remains justified, with a B-plus for the Raiders and C-plus for Green Bay reflecting the gap between Lofton's realized value and the modest return from the two draft choices.