Seattle acquired running back Theotis Brown from the…
Seattle acquired running back Theotis Brown from the Cardinals on October 13, 1981, for two fourth-round choices: No. 90 in 1982, used on Tootie Robbins, and No. 96 in 1983, used on Mark Duda. Brown immediately became a featured runner in Seattle and produced meaningful offense during the remainder of the 1981 season.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 1982 fourth round pick (#90- James Robbins / Tootie Robbins )
- pick 1983 fourth round pick (#96-Mark Duda)
Seattle Seahawks Received
- player Theotis Brown
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Seattle paid two future fourth-round selections to the Cardinals for Theotis Brown in the middle of the 1981 season. Seattle's trade history identifies the choices as No. 90 in 1982, which became Tootie Robbins, and No. 96 in 1983, which became Mark Duda. The cost was meaningful but still well below premium draft territory.
Seattle's Return
Brown gave Seattle immediate backfield production. In ten games for the Seahawks in 1981, he rushed 141 times for 531 yards and six touchdowns and added 25 receptions for 268 yards. He remained with Seattle into 1983. That first partial season alone supplied nearly 800 yards from scrimmage at a time when the club was seeking dependable offensive help.
The Cardinals' Return
The Cardinals converted Brown into two fourth-round opportunities rather than losing all value from a veteran who was leaving their backfield. Robbins and Duda represented reasonable middle-round capital, and the two-year spread reduced the risk of relying on one selection. Still, the package did not generate an obvious return that exceeded the productive starter-level stretch Brown delivered in Seattle.
Value in Hindsight
This is not a landslide because two fourth-round picks are a real price for a running back. The decisive point is certainty. Seattle received a player who immediately handled substantial rushing and receiving work, while the Cardinals received developmental chances whose eventual impact did not clearly surpass Brown's Seattle contribution. The trade therefore looks more efficient for the team buying established production.
Final Verdict
Seattle Seahawks Win. Seattle earns a B for getting immediate, useful offense from Brown without surrendering a premium choice. The Cardinals receive a C+ because two fourth-round selections were a respectable return and preserved future roster flexibility. The Seahawks ultimately turned their draft investment into more visible football value, especially during Brown's strong 1981 stretch.