Denver acquired Ron Holmes in September 1989 and received…
Denver acquired Ron Holmes in September 1989 and received immediate pass-rush help. Holmes recorded nine sacks during a season that ended with the Broncos reaching the Super Bowl, so the trade delivered meaningful short-term value. The B grade recognizes that contribution while also acknowledging that Tampa Bay's eventual return, Tony Mayberry, became the more durable and decorated long-term asset.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Ron Holmes
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- pick 1990 fourth round pick (#108-Tony Mayberry)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1989-09-06, Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers completed this exchange. Denver Broncos received Ron Holmes, while Tampa Bay Buccaneers received 1990 fourth round pick (#108-Tony Mayberry). Historical team, player, draft, and transaction records support the compensation and provide enough career context to compare the practical value each franchise ultimately received.
Denver Broncos Return
Denver acquired Ron Holmes in September 1989 and received immediate pass-rush help. Holmes recorded nine sacks during a season that ended with the Broncos reaching the Super Bowl, so the trade delivered meaningful short-term value. The B grade recognizes that contribution while also acknowledging that Tampa Bay's eventual return, Tony Mayberry, became the more durable and decorated long-term asset.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Return
Tampa Bay received the 1990 fourth-round selection that became No. 108 Tony Mayberry. Mayberry developed into a 160-game starter and three-time Pro Bowler for the Buccaneers, giving the franchise a decade of high-level offensive-line value. That sustained production comfortably exceeds Denver's useful but shorter Ron Holmes return and supports an A grade with a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Win verdict.
Value in Hindsight
Both clubs received useful value, which is why Denver still earns a solid B. Holmes helped immediately in a Super Bowl season, but Mayberry's 160 starts and three Pro Bowls gave Tampa Bay far more years of high-level service. Long-term value breaks the tie decisively. The Buccaneers turned a fourth-round choice into a foundational lineman, making their side the stronger result even though Denver benefited too.
Final Verdict
The final call is Tampa Bay Buccaneers Win. Denver Broncos earns a B, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers earns an A. The grades recognize Holmes' immediate nine-sack contribution while giving greater weight to Mayberry's 160 starts, three Pro Bowls, and decade of service in Tampa Bay.