Denver acquired former All-Pro cornerback Mark Haynes from…
Denver acquired former All-Pro cornerback Mark Haynes from New York on April 29, 1986, for three draft choices: 1986 Nos. 51 and 139 plus a 1987 second-rounder at No. 55. Haynes gave Denver four seasons and 27 starts, including strong work on Super Bowl teams. The Giants, however, turned the top 1986 pick into linebacker Pepper Johnson, a long-term starter and two-time champion, giving New York the better return.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Mark Haynes
New York Giants Received
- pick 1986 second-round pick (No. 51, Pepper Johnson)
- pick 1986 sixth-round pick (No. 139, Ron Brown)
- pick 1987 second-round pick (No. 55, Adrian White )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Denver acquired cornerback Mark Haynes from the Giants on April 29, 1986. Broncos historical records identify the price as three selections: a 1986 second-rounder at No. 51, a 1986 sixth-rounder at No. 139 and a 1987 second-rounder at No. 55. New York used those choices on Pepper Johnson, Ron Brown and Adrian White. It was a substantial price, but Denver was acquiring a proven former Pro Bowl and All-Pro defensive back for a championship-caliber roster.
Denver's Return
Haynes was not a failed acquisition. He spent four seasons with Denver, played 52 games and made 27 starts. In 1987 he started 12 games, intercepted three passes and returned one for a touchdown; he started 15 more games in 1988. Denver reached multiple Super Bowls during his tenure. His contribution was meaningful enough that the Broncos deserve a solid grade despite the expensive draft package.
New York's Return
The Giants found the centerpiece at No. 51 in Pepper Johnson. He became a long-term linebacker for New York, played more than 100 games for the club and was part of both the 1986 and 1990 championship teams. Brown and White added further chances from the remaining picks. Even if those secondary selections are treated as modest, Johnson's sustained defensive value gave the Giants a premium return for moving a veteran corner.
Value in Hindsight
Both teams were operating from strength and both obtained useful football value. Denver bought proven help for a roster ready to contend, and Haynes delivered several seasons of real play. New York accepted future capital and hit on a linebacker who became part of the defense's core. Because the Giants received two second-rounders plus a sixth and converted one of the seconds into Johnson, their long-term value surpassed Haynes' four-year Denver run.
Final Verdict
New York Giants Win. New York earns an A- for producing a cornerstone in Pepper Johnson while retaining two additional draft opportunities. Denver receives a B because Haynes was productive, started on contending teams and justified much of the aggressive price. The trade worked for both clubs, but the Giants' combination of Johnson's longevity and extra capital creates the stronger hindsight result.