Baltimore acquired defensive tackle Tom Finnin from the New…
Baltimore acquired defensive tackle Tom Finnin from the New York Giants on September 15, 1953 in a straight player-for-player trade for end Ray Pelfrey. Finnin became a four-season Colts regular, appearing in 44 games and starting 41 from 1953 through 1956.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Tom Finnin
New York Giants Received
- player Ray Pelfrey
Trade Analysis
The legacy row is structurally incorrect because it adds an undisclosed-consideration placeholder to both sides of a transaction that the available record identifies as a direct player swap. Pro Sports Transactions lists the September 15, 1953 deal as Baltimore acquiring Tom Finnin and relinquishing Ray Pelfrey, with the Giants receiving Pelfrey and relinquishing Finnin. The career outcomes then create a clear advantage for Baltimore. Pro Football Reference records Finnin starting 11 games for the Colts immediately in 1953 and remaining with Baltimore through 1956, totaling 44 games and 41 starts across four seasons. NFL data likewise shows him appearing in 11, 12, 11 and 10 games for Baltimore from 1953 through 1956. Pelfrey was useful right away for New York: he played all 12 games in 1953, started seven, caught 17 passes for 233 yards and scored three touchdowns. That production makes this more than a one-sided giveaway, but 1953 was also Pelfrey's last NFL season. Baltimore therefore received a multi-year defensive starter in exchange for one productive season from Pelfrey. Removing the duplicated placeholder assets and grading the actual player-for-player exchange supports a Baltimore Colts Win, B to C-.