New York acquired quarterback George Shaw from the Baltimore…
New York acquired quarterback George Shaw from the Baltimore Colts for a 1960 second-round pick and a 1961 first-round pick. Baltimore used the second on Marvin Terrell and later moved the first-rounder in another transaction before San Francisco selected Billy Kilmer at No. 11. Shaw gave the Giants experienced quarterback depth, then produced additional value when New York traded him to Minnesota for the No. 2 pick in 1962.
New York Giants Received
- player George Shaw
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1960 second-round pick, No. 24 overall, used on Marvin Terrell
- pick 1961 first-round pick, No. 11 overall, later used by San Francisco on Billy Kilmer
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
The Colts sent George Shaw to the Giants on July 30, 1959 for New York's 1960 second-round pick and 1961 first-round pick. Colts historical records identify the second as the choice used on guard Marvin Terrell. The future first later passed from Baltimore to San Francisco and became the No. 11 selection, where the 49ers chose quarterback Billy Kilmer.
Why New York Made the Deal
The Giants wanted experienced quarterback depth behind Charlie Conerly. Shaw had been the first overall pick in 1955 and had starting experience with Baltimore, so New York was paying meaningful future capital for a known professional passer. He was not acquired to become a decade-long franchise starter, but he gave the club another credible option during a competitive period.
What Baltimore Received
Two high draft choices were a substantial return. Terrell became a multi-year NFL guard, while the first-round selection retained significant value even though Baltimore later traded it away. The Colts were selling from quarterback depth and obtained a package that made sense for a player whose role had diminished behind Johnny Unitas.
How the Value Developed
Shaw's biggest value to New York came later. In January 1961 the Giants traded him to expansion Minnesota for the Vikings' 1962 first-round choice, which became No. 2 overall. New York then used that pick in the Del Shofner deal with Los Angeles. That sequence allowed the Giants to turn Shaw into premium downstream value beyond his direct playing contribution.
Final Verdict
New York earns the edge because it extracted a second transaction from Shaw that created even greater value. Baltimore received fair draft compensation and should not be graded harshly, but the Giants' ability to convert Shaw into the future No. 2 pick made their side more productive over time.
Shaw's later trade created additional premium value.