Boston acquired Sid Blanks, Larry Carwell, Ron Caveness, and…
Boston acquired Sid Blanks, Larry Carwell, Ron Caveness, and Charlie Frazier from Houston for Leroy Mitchell and a 1970 second-round pick. The four-player package supplied immediate roster depth, and Patriots records explicitly document the exchange. None of the incoming players became a long-term franchise cornerstone, however, while giving up a second-round selection reduced the value of the quantity Boston received. Houston therefore keeps the slight edge.
New England Patriots Received
- player Sid Blanks
- player Larry Carwell
- player Ron Caveness / Ronnie Caveness
- player Charlie Frazier / Charley Frazier
Tennessee Titans Received
- player Leroy Mitchell
- pick 1970 second round pick (#31-Leo Brooks / Lee Brooks)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On March 24, 1969, the Boston Patriots and Houston Oilers completed a large AFL personnel swap. Boston received Sid Blanks, Larry Carwell, Ron Caveness, and Charlie Frazier. Houston received Leroy Mitchell plus Boston’s second-round choice in the 1970 draft, which became the No. 31 overall selection used on Leo Brooks. Patriots historical material and the draft transaction record agree on the core package.
What Boston Got
The Patriots acquired four experienced players at once. Blanks added backfield depth, Carwell worked in the secondary, Caveness at linebacker, and Frazier at receiver. Boston’s own 1970 material described Blanks as arriving in this trade to deepen the running game and listed the full four-player return. Quantity had genuine value for a roster trying to improve quickly, but none of the four became a long-term centerpiece in New England. That limits how much the package can be credited after accounting for the premium pick surrendered.
What Houston Got
The Oilers simplified the deal into two assets: Mitchell and a second-round pick. Mitchell provided defensive value, while No. 31 overall gave Houston a high selection in the 1970 draft. Leo Brooks did not become a major star, so the draft choice did not turn into a runaway success, but second-round capital still carried more long-range flexibility than the collection of short-term depth pieces Houston moved away.
Final Verdict
Houston earns a narrow win rather than a decisive one. Boston filled several roster spots and did get usable players, which keeps the Patriots at C instead of a failing grade. The Oilers’ C+ reflects the stronger asset structure created by receiving a young defender and an early second-round selection. Because neither side turned the deal into a foundational player, the separation remains small; Houston simply held the more valuable combination of youth and draft capital after the exchange.