Baltimore acquired wide receiver Mike Siani and a 1979…
Baltimore acquired wide receiver Mike Siani and a 1979 third-round pick for Raymond Chester and a 1979 second-rounder. Siani gave the Colts three seasons, and the draft choice retained value before being moved to Houston. The Colts received legitimate pieces, but neither matched Chester’s impact after his return to Oakland.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Mike Siani
- pick 1979 third round pick (#72; later dealt to Houston, which used it on Kenny King)
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player Raymond Chester (Ray Chester)
- pick 1979 second round pick (#33; later dealt to Tampa Bay, which used it on Greg Roberts)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
The Colts sent tight end Raymond Chester and a 1979 second-round choice to Oakland for wide receiver Mike Siani and a 1979 third-round choice on July 22, 1978. Both future selections were later moved again: Oakland’s No. 33 choice went to Tampa Bay, which used it on Greg Roberts, while Baltimore’s No. 72 choice went to Houston, which used it on Kenny King. The cleanest comparison therefore begins with Chester and Siani rather than crediting either original club with those later draftees.
Why Oakland Gets the Edge
Chester’s second Raiders stint was excellent. He rejoined the offense as a dependable receiving tight end, posted one of his best seasons in 1979 and stayed through the 1980 championship season. His presence gave Oakland a proven target at a position that mattered in the club’s vertical passing game, and he contributed in the postseason as the Raiders completed their Super Bowl XV run. That is high-end realized value from a veteran reacquisition.
How Baltimore’s Return Held Up
Siani was a credible NFL receiver and played three seasons for the Colts, so Baltimore did not walk away empty-handed. The third-round selection also retained transaction value before the Colts moved it to Houston. Still, Siani’s Colts years did not approach Chester’s combination of production, role and championship impact in Oakland. The second-rounder Oakland received further strengthened the Raiders’ side even though they later exchanged it rather than making the selection themselves.
Final Verdict
Oakland earns an A for reacquiring a high-level starter who delivered immediately and remained part of a title team. Baltimore receives a C+ because Siani was useful and the pick had value, but the return did not develop into a comparable difference-maker. The Raiders won this trade because Chester’s second act in Oakland was substantially better than the value the Colts realized from their side.