New York turned Homer Jones into running back Ron Johnson,…
New York turned Homer Jones into running back Ron Johnson, defensive tackle Jim Kanicki and linebacker Wayne Meylan. Johnson became the centerpiece, topping 1,000 rushing yards twice and earning two Pro Bowl selections during six Giants seasons, while Kanicki and Meylan added useful defensive depth. Jones caught only 10 passes in his lone Cleveland season, making the Giants' three-player return overwhelmingly more productive.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Homer Jones
New York Giants Received
- player Ron Johnson
- player Wayne Meylan
- player Jim Kanicki
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
On January 26, 1970, the Giants sent wide receiver Homer Jones to Cleveland for three players: running back Ron Johnson, defensive tackle Jim Kanicki and linebacker Wayne Meylan. The clean three-for-one package is documented by the Giants themselves and removes the vague extra consideration attached to older versions of the record.
Why New York Made the Deal
Jones had been one of pro football's most dangerous vertical receivers, but New York needed a broader roster reset. Johnson was a former first-round runner with enough receiving skill to become the offense's focal point. Kanicki and Meylan gave the Giants additional defensive experience, so the deal was never simply a receiver-for-running-back swap.
How the Return Developed
Johnson became the decisive asset. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in both 1970 and 1972, made the Pro Bowl in each season and finished six Giants years with 3,836 rushing yards plus 1,813 receiving yards. Kanicki remained a regular defensive lineman, while Meylan also contributed after arriving from Cleveland. The package gave New York both star power and depth.
What Cleveland Received
The Browns were betting on Jones' established big-play reputation. That upside never carried over. Jones caught only 10 passes during the 1970 season, his only year in Cleveland, and then left pro football. The short tenure sharply limits the value of Cleveland's side even before accounting for the three players surrendered.
Final Verdict
This became a clear New York victory. The Giants receive an A because Johnson alone delivered multiple high-end seasons and the accompanying defenders added value. Cleveland receives a D because Jones' Browns career was brief and unproductive relative to the package paid.
Ron Johnson became a two-time Pro Bowler and productive six-year Giant, while Homer Jones caught only ten passes during his lone Cleveland season after the exchange.