Seattle acquired offensive tackle Mike Wilson from Cincinnati…
Seattle acquired offensive tackle Mike Wilson from Cincinnati in August 1986 for a 1987 third-round selection, No. 77 overall. Wilson became a four-season Seattle starter and made 60 starts for the Seahawks, giving the club substantial line stability from the deal. That volume of starting work represents a strong return for one third-round pick and makes Seattle the hindsight winner.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 1987 third round pick (77th overall, Skip McClendon)
Seattle Seahawks Received
- player Mike Wilson
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Seattle acquired offensive tackle Mike Wilson from Cincinnati on August 27, 1986, for a third-round choice in the 1987 draft. Seattle’s transaction history identifies the selection as No. 77 overall, used on Skip McClendon. A third-rounder is meaningful capital, so the Seahawks needed Wilson to become more than short-term depth for the trade to work. He did exactly that.
Seattle’s Return
Wilson became a dependable part of Seattle’s offensive line. The Seahawks’ franchise history credits him with 60 games and 60 starts over four seasons with the club. That is substantial realized value from a veteran acquisition, particularly at tackle, where stable starting play is difficult to find. Seattle effectively converted one third-round pick into several seasons of lineup certainty.
Cincinnati’s Return
The Bengals did not receive an empty package. No. 77 overall is a useful Day 2 selection, and turning a veteran into a third-rounder was a defensible roster decision. Cincinnati used the choice on Skip McClendon, giving the club a younger player and cost-controlled opportunity. The issue is comparative impact: the pick did not produce the same clear multi-year starting return that Wilson delivered in Seattle.
Value in Hindsight
The difference between this trade and many veteran-for-pick exchanges is Wilson’s durability in the Seahawks lineup. Sixty starts removes much of the uncertainty that normally accompanies a veteran acquisition. Cincinnati’s third-round return had real value at the moment of the trade, but Seattle converted its side into known production at an important position. That sustained output justifies a clear but not extreme advantage.
Final Verdict
Seattle Seahawks Win. Seattle earns a B+ for getting four seasons and 60 starts from Wilson in exchange for one third-round selection. Cincinnati receives a C+ because the draft compensation was appropriate and gave the Bengals a legitimate prospect. The Seahawks simply realized more dependable football value, making the deal a strong example of a veteran purchase that paid off.