Philadelphia Eagles–Pittsburgh Steelers Trade History

Philadelphia Eagles received Fred Hartman from Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1948-09-07 exchange. Hubert Shurtz appeared in 12 Pittsburgh games in 1948, and Fred Hartman also appeared in 12 Philadelphia games that season, with neither return creating lasting separation. Measured by what Philadelphia Eagles actually realized after the deal, the return supports a C grade and represents roughly even direct value. The overall judgment is Even Trade.

Philadelphia sold John Baker to Pittsburgh for cash during the 1962 season. Baker then became a durable Steelers defender, appearing across five Pittsburgh seasons and producing meaningful pass-rush value. The Eagles received only the cash consideration, so the long post-trade service makes Pittsburgh the clear hindsight winner without turning a minor acquisition into an oversized grade.

Philadelphia received Red Mack and Glenn Glass. Mack contributed as a receiver, so the Eagles did receive useful value, but the combined Pittsburgh return of Peaks and Harrison was deeper and more productive, leaving Philadelphia behind without making the deal one-sided. The C+ grade reflects that realized football value and the complete supported package, while the overall verdict is Pittsburgh Steelers Win.

Pittsburgh purchased Ray Mansfield from Philadelphia in September 1964 and turned a cash transaction into a 13-season starting-center run. Mansfield appeared in 182 consecutive regular-season games for the Steelers and started on the Super Bowl IX and X championship teams. Philadelphia received cash, but Pittsburgh captured exceptional long-term value and wins this deal decisively.

Philadelphia acquired Gary Ballman from Pittsburgh and received several productive seasons from the veteran receiver. Ballman gave the Eagles legitimate value and remained a useful offensive piece after the trade. Pittsburgh, however, received Earl Gros, Bruce Van Dyke, and the 1967 third-round pick used on Rockne Freitas, creating a broader package with more long-term value.

Philadelphia Eagles received Rick Engles. Rick Engles appeared in six games for Philadelphia after the trade. The contribution was modest, but it was still the only direct regular-season value generated by either side of the exchange. Compared with Pittsburgh Steelers' return, the result supports a C grade and fits the Philadelphia Eagles Win verdict.

Philadelphia Eagles received Adrian Robinson in the exchange with Pittsburgh Steelers. Its C grade reflects the practical value of that return relative to the package surrendered and the hindsight result. The grade remains tied to documented value for the acquiring club, without assigning credit for unresolved or hypothetical downstream consideration.

Philadelphia traded cornerback Brandon Boykin to Pittsburgh on August 1, 2015 for a conditional 2016 pick that ultimately became fifth-round No. 164. The Eagles used that selection on Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who developed into a multi-year offensive-line contributor and eventual Super Bowl starter. Boykin spent only one season in Pittsburgh, so Philadelphia converted a short-term defensive back into substantially greater lasting value.

Pittsburgh sent Kenny Pickett and pick No. 120 to Philadelphia for No. 98 and two 2025 seventh-rounders. The Steelers used No. 98 on Payton Wilson, who has become a productive linebacker with 181 career tackles and two interceptions through 2025. Pickett served as Jalen Hurts’ backup on a Super Bowl champion and later brought Philadelphia Dorian Thompson-Robinson plus a fifth-round pick. Pittsburgh still leads, but the Eagles’ return deserves more credit.