Denver acquired veteran cornerback J.T. Thomas from…
Denver acquired veteran cornerback J.T. Thomas from Pittsburgh in August 1982. Thomas appeared in nine games for the Broncos, made one start, and recorded one interception, providing some short-term defensive depth without becoming a major long-term piece. The C grade reflects that limited contribution and matches Pittsburgh's similarly modest outcome from the draft choice it received.
Denver Broncos Received
- player J.T. Thomas
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 1983 eighth round pick (#199-Henry Odom)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1982-08-18, Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers completed this exchange. Denver Broncos received J.T. Thomas, while Pittsburgh Steelers received 1983 eighth round pick (#199-Henry Odom). Historical team, player, draft, and transaction records support the compensation and provide enough career context to compare the practical value each franchise ultimately received.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver acquired veteran cornerback J.T. Thomas from Pittsburgh in August 1982. Thomas appeared in nine games for the Broncos, made one start, and recorded one interception, providing some short-term defensive depth without becoming a major long-term piece. The C grade reflects that limited contribution and matches Pittsburgh's similarly modest outcome from the draft choice it received.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Pittsburgh received the 1983 eighth-round selection that became No. 199 Henry Odom. Odom's rookie NFL contribution was limited, leaving the Steelers without a clear long-term advantage over the nine games Denver received from J.T. Thomas. A C grade and an Even Trade verdict fit the narrow, low-impact results produced by both sides of the exchange.
Value in Hindsight
Thomas gave Denver a small amount of immediate veteran depth, and Odom represented Pittsburgh's chance to convert the trade into future value. Neither outcome became substantial. Nine games, one start, and one interception from Thomas are not enough to create a clear Denver edge, while Odom's limited contribution does not favor Pittsburgh either. Equal C grades therefore preserve a proportionate view of a minor transaction.
Final Verdict
The final call is Even Trade. Denver Broncos earns a C, and Pittsburgh Steelers earns a C. The grades reflect Thomas' limited nine-game Denver contribution and Odom's similarly modest early NFL impact, leaving neither franchise with a persuasive long-term advantage.