Cincinnati acquired guard John Shinners from Baltimore on…
Cincinnati acquired guard John Shinners from Baltimore on October 24, 1972 for a 1973 fourth-round pick, No. 93 overall. Shinners became a useful five-season Bengal, appearing in 66 games and starting 32. Baltimore later sent the pick to Cleveland for kicker George Hunt, who scored 70 points for the Colts in 1973. Cincinnati received the stronger long-term return.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- player John Shinners
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1973 fourth round pick (#93) [later traded to Cleveland Browns for George Hunt]
Trade Analysis
Why October 24 Fits the Record
The Colts' historical transaction record dates John Shinners' move to Cincinnati to October 24, 1972 and identifies the return as the Bengals' 1973 fourth-round choice, No. 93 overall. Pro Sports Transactions traces the same pick on the same date. Cincinnati's modern historical table lists February 1, but that cannot describe the player transfer itself: Pro Football Reference records Shinners in six Baltimore games during the 1972 season, and Xavier's official biography says he started 1972 with the Colts before being traded to Cincinnati in midseason. October 24 reconciles the transaction with Shinners' actual season.
What Cincinnati Received
Shinners became substantially more than a short rental. He played all 14 games for Cincinnati in 1973, started 10 games in 1974, four in 1975, all 13 he played in 1976, and five more in 1977. Across five Bengals seasons, that is 66 games and 32 starts. For a future fourth-round selection, Cincinnati obtained a durable interior lineman who remained with the club through the end of his NFL career.
What Baltimore Received
The Colts did not simply use No. 93 themselves. Their transaction history says they sent that choice to Cleveland for kicker George Hunt. Hunt then handled Baltimore's kicking in 1973, making 16 of 28 field goals and 22 of 24 extra points for 70 points. That gave the Colts one season of tangible value from the asset chain, even though it did not match Shinners' multi-year role in Cincinnati.
Final Verdict
Cincinnati Bengals Win. A B for Cincinnati and C+ for Baltimore reflect the difference in duration and usefulness. Shinners supplied five seasons and 32 starts, while Baltimore converted the pick into one season from Hunt. The Colts did receive real value, so this was not a one-sided loss, but Cincinnati clearly received the more durable football return.