Green Bay acquired quarterback Lynn Dickey from Houston for…
Green Bay acquired quarterback Lynn Dickey from Houston for John Hadl, Ken Ellis, two draft choices and cash. The package was substantial, but Dickey became the Packers' primary quarterback for much of nine seasons and one of the franchise's most productive passers of his era. That sustained value makes Green Bay the winner despite the steep price.
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Lynn Dickey
Tennessee Titans Received
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Green Bay acquired Lynn Dickey from Houston on April 2, 1976, in a large package that sent John Hadl, Ken Ellis, a 1976 fourth-round choice, a 1977 third-round choice and cash to the Oilers. The fourth-rounder became Steve Largent and the third-rounder became Tim Wilson, but later movement of those players matters when measuring what Houston actually realized.
What Green Bay Received
Dickey became Green Bay's long-term answer at quarterback. The Packers' own Hall of Fame biography notes that he started most of nine seasons after the trade. He produced some of the franchise's best passing seasons of the late 1970s and early 1980s and gave Green Bay stability at the sport's most important position. That sustained starting value is the centerpiece of the comparison.
What Houston Received
Houston received a deep bundle, so this was not a giveaway. Hadl was an accomplished veteran but did little as an Oiler, while Ellis was later moved to Miami. Houston selected Largent with the 1976 choice but traded him before the season, meaning Seattle owns the value of his Hall of Fame career. Wilson was another usable asset from the package.
Why the Value Landed Here
The Oilers accumulated quantity and optionality, but Green Bay captured the one asset that delivered years of high-leverage production for the acquiring club. Largent's later greatness cannot be credited to Houston after it moved him away, and Hadl did not recreate his earlier success there. Dickey's longevity therefore outweighs the impressive-looking outgoing package.
Final Verdict
Green Bay receives an A and Houston receives a B-. The Oilers obtained legitimate assets and reasonable value, but the Packers secured nearly a decade of starting quarterback play. That direct, sustained impact gives Green Bay the win.