The Cardinals received defensive back Perry Smith when they…
The Cardinals received defensive back Perry Smith when they sent Terdell Middleton's rights to Green Bay. Smith gave St. Louis a veteran return, but his value did not approach Middleton's later production for the Packers, including a 1,116-yard rushing season. The Cardinals still received a legitimate NFL player, so a C grade reflects a usable but clearly inferior return.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Perry Smith
Green Bay Packers Received
- other rights to Terdell Middleton
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1977-05-03, Arizona Cardinals received Perry Smith, while Green Bay Packers received rights to Terdell Middleton. The supported package gives both clubs a clear return to evaluate, so the outcome can be judged by the football value each franchise actually realized after the exchange.
Arizona Cardinals Return
The Cardinals received defensive back Perry Smith when they sent Terdell Middleton's rights to Green Bay. Smith gave St. Louis a veteran return, but his value did not approach Middleton's later production for the Packers, including a 1,116-yard rushing season. The Cardinals still received a legitimate NFL player, so a C grade reflects a usable but clearly inferior return. The grade reflects the practical value created for the franchise rather than the asset's label or perceived value on the day of the trade.
Green Bay Packers Return
Green Bay acquired the rights to running back Terdell Middleton from the Cardinals for defensive back Perry Smith during the 1977 draft. Middleton became the centerpiece of the return, rushing for 1,116 yards in 1978 and remaining with the Packers for five seasons. That sustained production from a player acquired for a modest veteran cost comfortably supports a B+ grade and the Green Bay win. The same standard applies here: actual playing contribution and clearly retained draft value matter more than theoretical upside that never materialized.
Value in Hindsight
Middleton's 1978 breakout creates the separation. Green Bay turned a rights acquisition into a five-season contributor and a 1,000-yard rusher, while the Cardinals' return was more limited. The date has minor historical variation across sources, but the supported package and on-field outcomes point clearly toward the Packers.
Final Verdict
The final call is Green Bay Packers Win. Arizona Cardinals earns C, and Green Bay Packers earns B+. Those grades reflect the supported package and the relative football value each side realized while keeping the scale of the transaction in proper context.