Detroit received 1980 fifth- and ninth-round selections from…
Detroit received 1980 fifth- and ninth-round selections from Kansas City for center Larry Tearry, with the picks becoming Tom Ginn at No. 120 and Tom Tuinei at No. 223. Tearry was released by the Chiefs before the 1980 regular season, leaving Kansas City without game production from its acquisition. Ginn and Tuinei both appeared for Detroit, giving the Lions modest but real value from two late choices and the better side of the trade.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 1980 fifth round pick (#120-Tom Ginn)
- pick 1980 ninth round pick (#223-Tom Tuinei)
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- player Larry Tearry
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Kansas City was looking for veteran help at center and paid two late 1980 selections for Larry Tearry. Detroit accepted the developmental route instead, taking a fifth-round pick and a ninth-round pick. For a transaction built around a veteran lineman and day-three draft capital, the value question ultimately depended on whether Tearry made the Chiefs and whether Detroit converted either selection into usable players.
What Detroit Received
The Lions selected Tom Ginn with No. 120 and Tom Tuinei with No. 223. Draft records are important here because the Tuinei selection is No. 223, not No. 224. Ginn appeared in 27 NFL games across two seasons. Tuinei played 12 games for Detroit and made two starts. Neither became a long-term cornerstone, but Detroit obtained two players who reached the field and provided actual roster service from late-round capital.
What Kansas City Received
Tearry did not provide Kansas City with a regular-season return. Pro Football Archives records his trade to the Chiefs and his release before the 1980 season. That outcome makes the acquisition costly even though the surrendered selections were not premium picks. Kansas City effectively exchanged two chances at inexpensive young talent for a veteran who did not survive to meaningful game action with the club.
How the Value Developed
Detroit's advantage is based on accumulation rather than star power. Ginn and Tuinei combined for dozens of appearances, while Tearry supplied none for Kansas City. The Lions should not receive an oversized grade because both selections produced limited careers, but a modest positive mark is justified by turning two late picks into real playing time.
Final Verdict
Detroit earns a B- and Kansas City a D+. The Lions converted both selections into NFL contributors, while the Chiefs received no regular-season service from Tearry. That clear difference in realized value makes Detroit the winner without overstating the importance of the deal.