Cleveland acquired quarterback Mike Pagel for a 1987…
Cleveland acquired quarterback Mike Pagel for a 1987 ninth-round pick that Indianapolis used on linebacker Bob Ontko. Pagel spent five seasons with the Browns, appearing in 42 games and making seven starts, including a 4-2 record as a starter in 1985. Ontko's Colts career lasted only three games. That durable backup value gives Cleveland the better return without making the deal a franchise-changing win.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Mike Pagel
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1987 ninth round pick (#247-Bob Ontko)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On May 23, 1986, Cleveland acquired quarterback Mike Pagel from Indianapolis for a 1987 ninth-round selection. The Colts ultimately used the 247th overall pick on linebacker Bob Ontko. The transaction was a modest veteran-for-late-pick exchange, so the grade turns on whether Cleveland received meaningful quarterback utility and whether Indianapolis converted the pick into comparable value.
Cleveland Browns Return
Pagel gave Cleveland a useful reserve quarterback for five seasons. He appeared in 42 games for the Browns and made seven starts. His most important stretch came in 1985, when he started six games and went 4-2 while throwing for 1,274 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions. He never became the long-term starter, but dependable quarterback depth with actual winning starts carries real value, especially for a ninth-round price.
Indianapolis Colts Return
Indianapolis converted the future pick into Bob Ontko at No. 247 in 1987. Ontko reached the field for the Colts, but his NFL stay was brief: three games and three starts. That means the Colts did not come away empty-handed, yet the selected player produced only a small amount of regular-season service before his career ended.
Value in Hindsight
The exchange favored the team that received the longer usable asset. Pagel's five-year Cleveland tenure included meaningful spot-starting work and far more game availability than Ontko provided Indianapolis. The difference is substantial, but the low acquisition cost and Pagel's backup role keep the Browns' grade below premium territory.
Final Verdict
Cleveland wins. The Browns earn a B for converting a ninth-round pick into several seasons of functional quarterback depth. Indianapolis earns a C+ because Ontko reached the lineup briefly, but the pick did not approach Pagel's longevity or utility.