Atlanta Falcons–Dallas Cowboys Trade History

Atlanta Falcons received Hank Gremminger from Dallas Cowboys. Gremminger never appeared in a Falcons regular-season game and later continued his career elsewhere, so Atlanta received no usable game contribution. The F grade reflects the direct value Atlanta Falcons realized from the transaction, with the final Dallas Cowboys Win call based on actual service and clearly traceable draft outcomes rather than projected value.

Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys exchanged draft pick (selection not identified) for Bruce Van Ness. Atlanta had drafted Van Ness 112th overall in 1970, but he played in Canada rather than appearing for the Falcons. The unknown pick prevents a strong Falcons grade, while Van Ness' lack of Cowboys service prevents a Dallas edge. In hindsight, neither side created a meaningful advantage, so the exchange remains even after weighing actual post-trade service rather than the names or nominal asset types involved.

Atlanta traded Tony Casillas to Dallas on July 22, 1991, for the Cowboys' 1992 second-round pick and a conditional later selection that became an eighth-rounder. Atlanta used the second-round choice on Chuck Smith, who produced 58.5 career sacks. Dallas received a starting defensive tackle for its 1992 and 1993 championship teams, giving both clubs substantial lasting value.

Dallas and Atlanta swapped first-round positions in 1992, with the Cowboys receiving No. 17 and No. 120 for Nos. 19 and 104. Dallas selected cornerback Kevin Smith at No. 17, while Atlanta took running back Tony Smith at No. 19. Kevin Smith became a long-term Cowboys starter and championship-era defender; Atlanta's return never matched that impact, giving Dallas the win.

Atlanta moved up five spots for defensive back Ron Davis, sending Dallas the 46th and 110th picks. Davis played only 12 NFL games and made five starts. Dallas selected running back Sherman Williams and tight end Eric Bjornson, who combined for 142 regular-season games and useful supporting roles on a championship roster. The Cowboys turned a small move down into two contributors and won comfortably.

Atlanta received two selections in the 1996 draft, the fourth-round choice used on Juran Bolden and the fifth-round choice used on Gary Bandy, for safety Roger Harper. Turning one veteran into two controlled draft assets gave the Falcons multiple chances to create roster value. That broader return supports Atlanta's C+ grade and a narrow win in a modest transaction.

Atlanta received a 2001 fourth-round pick used on Matt Stewart and a 2002 seventh-round pick used on Michael Coleman. The second selection belongs to the 2002 draft, clarifying the Falcons' full return. The B grade reflects two realized draft assets from a player Dallas released during the 2000 season, supporting an Atlanta Falcons Win verdict.

Atlanta received No. 156, used on Garrett Reynolds, and No. 210, used on Vance Walker. Both players went on to meaningful NFL careers, giving the Falcons two legitimate outcomes from a move down in the draft and creating substantial value from modest selections. That result supports a B+ grade within the Atlanta Falcons Win verdict.