Pittsburgh acquired linebacker Rod Breedlove from Washington…
Pittsburgh acquired linebacker Rod Breedlove from Washington and received three seasons of useful service. Breedlove appeared in 39 games for the Steelers from 1965 through 1967, giving the defense dependable depth and meaningful playing time. Washington's seventh-round return did not create comparable regular-season value, so Pittsburgh turned a low-cost move into the stronger football outcome and merits a B grade.
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1967 seventh round pick (#168-Bruce Matte)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1965-09-07, Pittsburgh Steelers received Rodney Breedlove / Rod Breedlove, while Washington Commanders received 1967 seventh round pick (#168-Bruce Matte). The deal can be judged by the value each franchise actually controlled after the exchange: direct playing time, useful roster service, and clearly documented movement of any draft choice. Those later results provide the basis for comparing the two returns.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Pittsburgh acquired linebacker Rod Breedlove from Washington and received three seasons of useful service. Breedlove appeared in 39 games for the Steelers from 1965 through 1967, giving the defense dependable depth and meaningful playing time. Washington's seventh-round return did not create comparable regular-season value, so Pittsburgh turned a low-cost move into the stronger football outcome and merits a B grade. The grade reflects the actual usefulness of that return rather than the reputation or theoretical value attached to the asset on the day of the deal.
Washington Commanders Return
Washington received the 1967 seventh-round pick used on Bruce Matte after sending Rod Breedlove to Pittsburgh. Matte did not provide a comparable regular-season return for Washington, while Breedlove went on to appear in 39 games over three seasons for the Steelers. The late draft choice offered future flexibility, but the realized result lagged well behind Pittsburgh's player value, supporting a D+ grade. The same standard applies to this side: tangible playing value and clearly retained draft capital matter more than an eventual selection made by a different franchise.
Value in Hindsight
Breedlove's value came from sustained availability rather than star-level production, which is still meaningful in a transaction priced with a late-round choice. Pittsburgh received three seasons and 39 games from the linebacker. Washington's seventh-round selection did not yield a similar contribution. That straightforward difference in usable roster value makes the Steelers the clear winner while keeping the grade below the elite range.
Final Verdict
The final call is Pittsburgh Steelers Win. Pittsburgh Steelers earns B, and Washington Commanders earns D+. Those grades reflect the supported package and the relative football value each side realized, while keeping later draft movement in the proper franchise context.