Denver acquired tackle Roger Shoals from Detroit for…

The Exchange

Denver and Detroit completed a one-for-one veteran trade on May 7, 1971: the Broncos received tackle Roger Shoals and the Lions received linebacker Carl Cunningham. Both clubs’ historical transaction records preserve the same package. The deal is best judged by two different forms of value: Denver’s immediate use of Shoals as a starter and Detroit’s ability to turn Cunningham into another trade asset later that summer.

Denver Broncos Return

Denver acquired tackle Roger Shoals from Detroit for linebacker Carl Cunningham on May 7, 1971. Shoals immediately became a full-season starter for the Broncos, giving Denver dependable offensive-line value. Detroit did not come away empty-handed: Cunningham was later moved to New Orleans for a 1973 fourth-round pick. Denver still gets the edge because it received the more direct and immediate starting contribution.

Detroit Lions Return

Detroit sent Roger Shoals to Denver for Carl Cunningham, then quickly converted Cunningham into additional draft value by trading him to New Orleans for a 1973 fourth-round choice. That second move gave the Lions a useful asset chain rather than a dead-end return. Shoals, however, immediately started all 14 games for Denver in 1971, so the Broncos realized the clearer on-field benefit from the original exchange.

Value in Hindsight

Denver’s advantage comes from certainty and immediate utility. Shoals delivered a full season of starting work directly from the transaction, while Detroit’s benefit depended on a second move and the eventual value of a future pick. Because the Lions did recoup real draft capital, this is not a lopsided loss. It is a compact example of both sides finding use for movable veterans, with Denver realizing the clearer first-order result.

Final Verdict

Denver wins narrowly. The Broncos earn a B for obtaining a 14-game starting tackle at modest cost. Detroit receives a B- because Cunningham was successfully recycled into a fourth-round pick rather than wasted. The original exchange still favors Denver because Shoals’ immediate full-season role is the strongest documented outcome created directly by the trade.