Denver acquired tight end Mike Barber from the Rams in…
Denver acquired tight end Mike Barber from the Rams in October 1985. Barber appeared in ten games for the Broncos but caught only one pass, so the club received limited on-field value from the veteran addition. The C grade reflects that modest contribution and keeps the result level with Los Angeles, whose twelfth-round return also failed to create meaningful separation.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Mike Barber
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1986 twelfth round pick (#328-Marcus DuPree)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1985-10-09, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams completed this exchange. Denver Broncos received Mike Barber, while Los Angeles Rams received 1986 twelfth round pick (#328-Marcus DuPree). Historical team, player, draft, and transaction records support the compensation and provide enough career context to compare the practical value each franchise ultimately received.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver acquired tight end Mike Barber from the Rams in October 1985. Barber appeared in ten games for the Broncos but caught only one pass, so the club received limited on-field value from the veteran addition. The C grade reflects that modest contribution and keeps the result level with Los Angeles, whose twelfth-round return also failed to create meaningful separation.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Los Angeles received a 1986 twelfth-round selection that became No. 328 Marcus DuPree. The late pick produced little direct value for the Rams, while Mike Barber's Denver stint was also brief and minimally productive. A C grade captures the limited payoff on both sides, making Even Trade the most supportable conclusion using Barber's standard professional name.
Value in Hindsight
The return on both sides was minimal. Denver received ten games from Barber but almost no receiving production, while Los Angeles' twelfth-round selection did not create a meaningful direct payoff. That symmetry supports equal C grades. The only necessary change is presentational: using Mike Barber's standard professional name removes an unnecessary parenthetical without altering the compensation or the competitive judgment.
Final Verdict
The final call is Even Trade. Denver Broncos earns a C, and Los Angeles Rams earns a C. The grades reflect Barber's limited ten-game Denver stint and the small direct value created by the Rams' twelfth-round selection, with neither side producing enough to separate from the other.