Kansas City acquired defensive end Marvin Upshaw from…
Kansas City acquired defensive end Marvin Upshaw from Cleveland in September 1970 for a 1971 third-round pick. After an injury-shortened first Chiefs season, Upshaw became a fixture: he started all 14 games in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974. That four-year run of full-season starting work gave Kansas City substantial value. Cleveland's pick became linebacker Charles Hall, whose outcome did not approach Upshaw's Chiefs tenure.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 1971 3rd round pick (68th overall, Charles Hall)
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- player Marvin Upshaw
Trade Analysis
The September 1970 Deal
Cleveland traded defensive lineman Marvin Upshaw to Kansas City on September 9, 1970 and received a 1971 third-round choice. Browns draft history and draft-trade records identify that selection as No. 68 overall, later used on Houston linebacker Charles Hall. Kansas City was buying an experienced defensive lineman in the middle of a competitive window.
Upshaw Became a Fixture
Upshaw's first Chiefs season was interrupted, but the long-term result was excellent. From 1971 through 1974 he started all 14 regular-season games in four consecutive years. Kansas City's 1974 media guide described him as the club's starting defensive end over the preceding three seasons, confirming how firmly he established himself in the lineup.
Cleveland's Pick
The Browns did secure a meaningful third-round asset rather than losing Upshaw for nothing. They used the choice on Hall. The key comparison is not simply player versus draft slot, however; it is what the incoming asset ultimately produced for the acquiring club. Cleveland did not receive anything close to four years of every-game starting work from the pick.
Why Kansas City Wins
Trades involving draft capital can age well for the seller, but this one aged in Kansas City's favor because Upshaw became dependable, durable defensive-line value. The Chiefs knew exactly what they were purchasing and received several seasons of it.
Final Verdict
Kansas City Chiefs Win. Kansas City earns an A-minus for converting a third-round pick into four consecutive seasons of full-time starting defensive-end play. Cleveland earns a D-plus because the third-round return was legitimate but did not match Upshaw's realized Chiefs value. This is a clear long-term win for Kansas City.
Marvin Upshaw started every Kansas City game across four consecutive seasons after 1970, while Cleveland's third-round return, Charles Hall, never produced a comparable sustained contribution for the Browns. That advantage endured for Kansas City.