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5 biggest trade mistakes for the Steelers in franchise history

By Ryan Pawloski

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 01: Josh Scobee #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after missing a field goal in the second half of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on October 1, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 01: Josh Scobee #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after missing a field goal in the second half of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on October 1, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /
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Bobby Layne #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against Sam Huff #70 of the New York Giants. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images) /

Steelers trade Buddy Dial for the rights of Scott Appleton

This trade happened almost 60 years ago, so it has been a while. During this time, the Steelers were still the laughingstock of the league with barely any playoff experience to show. The NFL and AFL were battling it out among each other to keep the best players in their league.

Pittsburgh had a great receiver by the name of Buddy Dial, who was one of the NFL’s best players. His career in the league spanned nearly a decade between three teams. He was originally drafted by the New York Giants before he was let go and joined the black and gold. He was their best player, and it was a bit surprising that they traded him away.

The Dallas Cowboys were looking for a new weapon for their offense so they gave the Steelers a call. The team from the Steel City was looking for help on their defensive line so they decided to look at a young player named Scott Appleton. Eventually, the two clubs landed a trade that sent Dial to Dallas and Appleton’s contract rights to Pittsburgh.

Dial would go on to have another couple of years in the league with the Cowboys, but he did not pan out as well as they thought. The good news for them was they at least had him play for them. Appleton did not play a snap for Pittsburgh as he decided to sign with the Houston Oilers of the AFL. His career did not last long as he had substance abuse issues.

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