The Cardinals received cash for the rights to Ed 'Jeep' Brett…
The Cardinals received cash for the rights to Ed 'Jeep' Brett in September 1936. The surviving record does not establish the payment amount or a downstream roster use for it. Brett, meanwhile, produced 18 games and 11 starts for Pittsburgh over two seasons, so the Cardinals' return is best treated as legitimate but unquantified compensation rather than a measurable football outcome.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- other cash
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- other rights to Ed Brett / Eddie Brett
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Pittsburgh acquired the rights to Ed "Jeep" Brett from the Cardinals for cash in September 1936. The cash amount is not established, which limits the precision of the comparison, but Brett's Pittsburgh tenure provides a clear realized outcome on one side of the trade.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Brett gave Pittsburgh more than a brief trial. He appeared in 18 games and started 11 across the 1936 and 1937 seasons, providing the Steelers with multi-season roster and lineup value. His overall NFL production was modest, including 15 career receptions for 274 yards and one touchdown, but the important point for this trade is that Pittsburgh received a contributor who actually stayed and played.
Arizona Cardinals Return
The Cardinals received cash. That is legitimate consideration, but the surviving evidence does not establish the amount, nor does it support tracing the payment to a later player or transaction. The Cardinals should therefore receive credit for converting Brett's rights into cash but not for a specific downstream football result.
Value in Hindsight
Pittsburgh has the clearer documented edge because Brett delivered 18 games and 11 starts. That is substantial relative to an unquantified cash return, even if Brett never became a star. The gap should be framed as useful realized service versus unknown financial value rather than as a blockbuster win.
Final Verdict
Pittsburgh Steelers Win. Pittsburgh earns a B- for two seasons and 11 starts from Brett. The Cardinals earn a C because they received valid cash consideration, but the amount and any resulting football value remain unverified.