Arizona Cardinals received 1980 eighth round pick (#211-Grant…
Arizona Cardinals received 1980 eighth round pick (#211-Grant Hudson) and 1981 tenth round pick (#263-Jim Joiner). The Cardinals received an eighth-round choice that became Grant Hudson and a tenth-round choice that became Jim Joiner. Neither selection produced NFL regular-season value for the franchise. Denver converted two late selections into the only meaningful regular-season production in the exchange, giving the Broncos a clear but appropriately measured win. That outcome supports a D+ grade for Arizona Cardinals.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 1980 eighth round pick (#211-Grant Hudson)
- pick 1981 tenth round pick (#263-Jim Joiner)
Denver Broncos Received
- player Perry Smith
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1980-04-24, Arizona Cardinals received 1980 eighth round pick (#211-Grant Hudson) and 1981 tenth round pick (#263-Jim Joiner), while Denver Broncos received Perry Smith. Team and player records support the package. The comparison focuses on value each club controlled after the exchange.
Arizona Cardinals Return
Arizona Cardinals received 1980 eighth round pick (#211-Grant Hudson) and 1981 tenth round pick (#263-Jim Joiner). The Cardinals received an eighth-round choice that became Grant Hudson and a tenth-round choice that became Jim Joiner. Neither selection produced NFL regular-season value for the franchise. Denver converted two late selections into the only meaningful regular-season production in the exchange, giving the Broncos a clear but appropriately measured win. That outcome supports a D+ grade for Arizona Cardinals. The grade reflects the practical return created for this franchise rather than merely the name attached to a pick after later movement.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver Broncos received Perry Smith. Denver acquired defensive back Perry Smith, who played 26 games with five starts across 1980 and 1981. He also recorded two interceptions in his first Broncos season, providing clear on-field value from two late picks. Denver converted two late selections into the only meaningful regular-season production in the exchange, giving the Broncos a clear but appropriately measured win. That outcome supports a B grade for Denver Broncos. This side is judged on the value it actually controlled after the trade, including documented playing time and clearly traceable use of acquired selections.
Value in Hindsight
Denver converted two late selections into the only meaningful regular-season production in the exchange, giving the Broncos a clear but appropriately measured win. The comparison gives the most weight to regular-season contribution, starting value, and clearly documented conversion of acquired draft capital. Later selections by another holder are useful for tracing a pick, but they are not treated as on-field production for a club that had already moved the asset.
Final Verdict
The final call is Denver Broncos Win. Arizona Cardinals earns D+, and Denver Broncos earns B. Those grades match the supported package and the relative football value each side ultimately realized, without overstating the exchange or assigning another club's later player outcome to the wrong team.