NFL Trade Verdict

Baltimore acquired veteran kicker Jim Martin from Detroit on…

Baltimore acquired veteran kicker Jim Martin from Detroit on September 3, 1963, for the 1964 tenth-round choice that became No. 134 Glenn Holton. Martin immediately scored 104 points for the Colts, making 24 field goals in 39 attempts and leading the NFL in field goals made. Holton was drafted by Detroit but never appeared in an NFL regular-season game, creating a decisive one-season value advantage for the Colts.

Detroit Lions Received

  • pick 1964 tenth round pick (#134-Glenn Holton)

Trade Analysis

What Changed Hands

Baltimore acquired Jim Martin from Detroit on September 3, 1963, in exchange for a 1964 tenth-round draft choice. The draft-transaction record identifies the selection as No. 134 Glenn Holton, and Colts historical material likewise records a tenth-round choice going to Detroit for Martin with Holton as the downstream player. The transaction gave Baltimore a veteran kicker and Detroit a late draft asset.

What Indianapolis Colts Got

Martin's return to the NFL paid off immediately. In 1963 he made 24 of 39 field-goal attempts and 32 of 35 extra points, scoring 104 points for Baltimore. His 24 made field goals led the NFL. For a player acquired with a tenth-round selection, one season of that level of kicking production was substantial. Martin left Baltimore after the season, so this was a short-term payoff, but it was a highly productive one.

What Detroit Lions Got

Detroit used the acquired choice on West Virginia back Glenn Holton at No. 134. Draft records show Holton as a Lions selection obtained from Baltimore, but he never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. That means the Lions converted Martin into a legitimate draft pick without receiving subsequent NFL field production from the selected player.

Final Verdict

Indianapolis Colts Win is decisive on realized value. Baltimore traded a tenth-round choice for a veteran who immediately led the league in made field goals and scored 104 points. Detroit's selected return never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. The Colts earn a B+ because Martin provided only one Baltimore season, preventing an A-level grade despite the excellent production. Detroit receives a D+ because the acquired pick failed to reach the field. For a late-round exchange, Baltimore extracted unusually strong immediate value.

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