Seattle acquired veteran safety Vann McElroy from the Raiders…
Seattle acquired veteran safety Vann McElroy from the Raiders on October 16, 1990 for a 1991 eighth-round pick that became No. 213, Brian Jones. McElroy appeared in 10 games for Seattle and recorded one sack, providing short-term veteran depth. The Raiders received only late-round draft value, so neither side created enough lasting separation to claim the deal.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1991 eighth round pick (#213-Brian Jones (Keith))
Seattle Seahawks Received
- player Vann McElroy
Trade Analysis
Why Seattle Made the Move
Seattle added Vann McElroy on October 16, 1990, sending the Raiders a 1991 eighth-round selection. McElroy brought a strong resume from his Raiders years, including two Pro Bowl selections and extensive starting experience at safety. For a Seahawks team seeking veteran help during the season, the price was appropriately small: a late-round future pick rather than a premium selection or established starter.
What the Raiders Received
The pick became No. 213 in the 1991 draft, where the Raiders selected Brian Jones. That gave the Raiders a tangible future asset for a veteran who had lost his regular role. Contemporary reporting described McElroy as a backup after returning from a hamstring injury, so turning him into any draft capital had logic even though an eighth-round choice carried limited expected value.
How the Value Developed
McElroy appeared in 10 games for Seattle in 1990 and recorded one sack. He did not intercept a pass for the Seahawks, and his regular-season Seattle contribution was brief compared with the peak years of his Raiders career. The Raiders' pick, meanwhile, did not develop into an impact return large enough to make the exchange look one-sided. Each club essentially received the type of modest value its side of the transaction suggested.
Final Verdict
Seattle bought useful veteran depth at a low acquisition cost, while the Raiders recovered a late pick for a player they no longer featured. Neither the 10-game Seattle stint nor the No. 213 selection produced enough long-term value to create a clear winner. C+ grades for both teams fit the limited but defensible returns, leaving this as an Even Trade rather than a meaningful victory for either side.