Cleveland reacquired veteran defensive end Jack Gregory from…
Cleveland reacquired veteran defensive end Jack Gregory from the Giants on August 1, 1979 for its 1980 seventh-round pick. Gregory played all 16 games for the Browns, started 11 at right defensive end and recorded 2.5 sacks in his final NFL season.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Jack Gregory
New York Giants Received
- pick 1980 seventh-round pick (No. 181; Chris Linnin)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Cleveland's official draft history says the Browns' 1980 seventh-round choice was traded to the New York Giants for defensive end Jack Gregory. Pro Sports Transactions dates the deal to August 1, 1979 and traces the acquired Giants selection to Chris Linnin. The 1980 draft record places Linnin at No. 181 after draft-order passes shifted the displayed numbering.
Cleveland's Return
Gregory gave the Browns immediate starting value at age 35. Pro Football Reference credits him with all 16 games, 11 starts, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery in 1979. He was the primary right defensive end on a 9-7 team and then retired after the season. For a seventh-round price, Cleveland received a full season from an experienced starter.
New York's Return
The Giants used the acquired seventh-rounder on Chris Linnin. Pro Football Archives records Linnin in 10 games with two starts for New York in 1980 before his NFL career ended. The pick therefore produced real roster value rather than a complete miss, but the role was smaller than Gregory's one-year starting contribution.
Final Verdict
Cleveland Browns Win. Cleveland earns a B because the low-cost pick brought back a veteran who started most of the season and contributed to a winning club. New York earns a C+ because Linnin reached the roster and made two starts, preserving some value from a late-round choice. The Browns received the stronger realized return, but the Giants did not come away empty.