Seattle sent guard Rob Sims and a seventh-round pick to…
Seattle sent guard Rob Sims and a seventh-round pick to Detroit for defensive lineman Robert Henderson and the 133rd pick, then selected Kam Chancellor. Chancellor became a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time second-team All-Pro and foundational member of the Legion of Boom. Detroit still did well: Sims started all 80 games over five seasons and Willie Young became a useful defender. Seattle wins because Chancellor became a franchise-defining star.
Detroit Lions Received
- player Rob Sims
- pick 2010 7th round pick (213th overall, Willie Young)
Seattle Seahawks Received
- player Robert Henderson
- pick 2010 5th round pick (133rd overall, Kam Chancellor)
Trade Analysis
Why the Teams Made the Swap
Seattle traded guard Rob Sims and the 213th pick to Detroit for defensive lineman Robert Henderson and pick No. 133 in April 2010. Detroit wanted an established interior lineman, while Seattle was reshaping its roster under a new regime and gained a much higher draft selection. The exchange ultimately became unusually productive for both clubs.
What Detroit Received
Sims became exactly what the Lions needed. He started all 16 games in each of his five Detroit seasons, giving the offensive line 80 consecutive regular-season starts from the player acquired in the deal. Detroit used No. 213 on defensive end Willie Young, who also became a useful NFL defender. Even though Young later made a larger impact elsewhere, the Lions unquestionably received strong value from the transaction.
How Kam Chancellor Changed Seattle
Seattle used No. 133 on Virginia Tech safety Kam Chancellor. He developed into the physical centerpiece of the Legion of Boom, earned four Pro Bowl selections and twice received second-team All-Pro recognition. Chancellor spent eight seasons with Seattle, totaled more than 600 tackles and 12 interceptions, and was central to a defense that reached consecutive Super Bowls and won Super Bowl XLVIII.
Why This Trade Still Matters
Detroit's side should not be downgraded simply because Seattle found a superstar. Five seasons and 80 starts from Sims represent excellent value. The Seahawks' return was just better because Chancellor became one of the defining players of their championship era.
Final Verdict
Seattle Seahawks Win. Chancellor's peak and franchise impact earn Seattle an A+. Detroit receives a B for Sims' remarkable durability and the added Young selection. This is a strong outcome for both organizations, with Seattle winning because its best asset became transformational.