Detroit acquired Mike Dawson and the 1984 third-round pick…

The Exchange

Detroit and St. Louis agreed in July 1983 that the Lions would receive Mike Dawson and a 1984 third-round draft choice, while the Cardinals would receive a player identified the following day as Al 'Bubba' Baker. The third-round selection became No. 62 Eric Williams. An eighth-round choice associated with another Cardinals transaction does not belong in this package. Detroit Lions Return Dawson gave Detroit an experienced defensive lineman, and the future third-round selection created an opportunity to add a younger player in Williams. That combination offered both immediate depth and developmental upside. Detroit therefore received a credible two-piece return for Baker rather than simply dumping a veteran, which keeps the Lions' grade in positive territory despite losing the stronger long-term player. Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Return Baker became the most influential asset in the trade. Already an established pass rusher, he continued to produce for St. Louis and gave the Cardinals multiple seasons of defensive impact. A proven edge presence carried greater week-to-week value than either Detroit asset achieved individually. The Cardinals acquired a player who could affect opposing passing games immediately and sustain that contribution beyond one season. Value in Hindsight The trade was competitive because Detroit received two usable assets and a valuable third-round opportunity. Still, Baker's continued pass-rush production created the clearest difference. The Lions' return helped the roster, but it did not generate a player with equivalent impact. Removing the unrelated eighth-round selection is important because adding that extra asset would artificially narrow the Cardinals' advantage. Final Verdict St. Louis earns a B+ and Detroit a C+. Baker's multi-season defensive production makes the Cardinals the winner, while Dawson and the third-round pick keep the exchange from becoming lopsided. Detroit received reasonable value for an established veteran, but the best remaining football belonged to Baker. The final result is a solid Cardinals win with a respectable Lions return.