Denver acquired running back Tony Reed from Kansas City on…
Denver acquired running back Tony Reed from Kansas City on April 28, 1981 for third- and fourth-round picks that became Roger Taylor and Stuart Anderson. Reed produced 473 yards from scrimmage in 15 games for the Broncos that season. Taylor made only a small Kansas City impact, and Anderson did not play a regular-season game for the Chiefs. Denver received the stronger direct return despite its brief duration.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Tony Reed
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- pick 1981 third round pick (#75-Roger Taylor)
- pick 1982 fourth round pick (#104-Stuart Anderson)
Trade Analysis
Why Denver Added Tony Reed
Denver traded two mid-round selections to Kansas City for running back Tony Reed on April 28, 1981. Reed had already shown he could handle NFL carries, giving the Broncos an established back rather than two future developmental chances.
What Denver Received
Reed played 15 games for the Broncos in 1981. He rushed 68 times for 156 yards and caught 34 passes for 317 yards, producing 473 yards from scrimmage. The tenure was brief, but he provided usable offense immediately before leaving Denver the following year.
What Kansas City Received
The Chiefs used the 1981 third-round pick, No. 75, on Roger Taylor and the 1982 fourth-rounder, No. 104, on Stuart Anderson. Taylor appeared for Kansas City but did not establish a significant role. Anderson did not play a regular-season game for the Chiefs. The two selections therefore produced very little team-specific return.
Why a Short Rental Can Still Win
Denver did not acquire a long-term starter, so the trade should not receive an aggressive grade. The comparison is still favorable because Reed generated nearly 500 yards from scrimmage while the two players selected by Kansas City contributed little to the Chiefs. Actual production outweighs unused draft potential in this case.
Final Verdict
Denver earns a B- and Kansas City a D+. Reed's single useful season was modest, but it was clearly more valuable than the Chiefs' return from Taylor and Anderson. The Broncos win a low-stakes trade by converting two middling selections into immediate offensive help.