Oakland acquired Warren Bankston, who became a six-season…
Oakland acquired Warren Bankston, who became a six-season Raiders contributor and a Super Bowl champion. That sustained role gave the Raiders meaningful value from the veteran addition and supports a B- grade. The full package shows Pittsburgh received two draft choices rather than one, making the overall exchange much more balanced than a one-pick reading would suggest.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player Warren Bankston
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 1974 fourth round pick (#100-Jimmy Allen)
- pick 1974 sixth round pick (#150-Rick Druschel)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1973-09-10, Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers completed this exchange. Las Vegas Raiders received Warren Bankston, while Pittsburgh Steelers received 1974 fourth round pick (#100-Jimmy Allen) and 1974 sixth round pick (#150-Rick Druschel). Historical team, player, draft, and transaction records support the compensation and provide enough career context to compare the practical value each franchise ultimately received.
Las Vegas Raiders Return
Oakland acquired Warren Bankston, who became a six-season Raiders contributor and a Super Bowl champion. That sustained role gave the Raiders meaningful value from the veteran addition and supports a B- grade. The full package shows Pittsburgh received two draft choices rather than one, making the overall exchange much more balanced than a one-pick reading would suggest.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Pittsburgh received two 1974 selections: the fourth-round pick at No. 100 used on Jimmy Allen and the sixth-round pick at No. 150 used on Rick Druschel. Allen supplied useful defensive-back value, giving the Steelers a meaningful return of their own. The B- grade reflects that two-pick package and supports an Even Trade verdict against Warren Bankston's solid Raiders tenure.
Value in Hindsight
The second draft choice changes the shape of this transaction. Bankston gave Oakland six seasons and championship-era value, but Pittsburgh was not simply giving away a useful player for one uncertain pick. The Steelers received two selections, and Jimmy Allen supplied meaningful defensive-back service. Once the complete package is considered, matching B- grades better capture the substantial but different kinds of value each franchise obtained.
Final Verdict
The final call is Even Trade. Las Vegas Raiders earns a B-, and Pittsburgh Steelers earns a B-. The grades balance Bankston's six-season Raiders contribution and championship value against Pittsburgh's two-pick return, including useful defensive-back production from Jimmy Allen.