Detroit traded tackle Karl Baldischwiler to Baltimore during…
Detroit traded tackle Karl Baldischwiler to Baltimore during 1983 training camp for a 1984 seventh-round choice. The Lions used No. 178 on Jimmie Carter, whose NFL career amounted to one game and did not create value for Detroit. Baldischwiler immediately started all 14 games he played for the Colts in 1983 and later returned to start additional games for Indianapolis, giving the Colts the clear advantage.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 1984 seventh round pick (#178-Jimmie Carter)
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Karl Baldischwiler
Trade Analysis
Why Detroit Moved Baldischwiler
The Lions had reshaped their offensive line and dealt veteran tackle Karl Baldischwiler to Baltimore during 1983 training camp. Contemporary reporting described the compensation as a future draft choice, while Detroit's historical transaction material identifies it as the Colts' 1984 seventh-round pick.
What Detroit Received
That selection became No. 178, used on Jimmie Carter. Carter did not make a meaningful impact for Detroit and ultimately appeared in only one NFL game, later in his career with another club. The draft return therefore produced essentially no direct football value for the Lions.
How the Colts Benefited
Baldischwiler immediately became useful. He started all 14 games he played for Baltimore in 1983. After time away from the club, he later returned to Indianapolis and made additional starts, including a full 16-start season in 1985. For a seventh-round price, the Colts acquired a player capable of filling a starting tackle job right away and again later.
Why the Colts Win
The cost was low and the return was tangible. Detroit used the acquired pick but did not receive meaningful production from the player selected. Baltimore, by contrast, gained an immediate starter at an important position. Even without treating Baldischwiler as a star, that gap is decisive.
Final Verdict
The Colts earn a B and Detroit a D. Baltimore obtained useful starting-line play for a late-round selection, while the Lions' draft choice failed to generate comparable value. It is a modest transaction with a clear winner. The late-round price made the immediate starting return especially efficient for Baltimore.