Washington moved quarterback Al Dorow to Philadelphia for a…
Washington moved quarterback Al Dorow to Philadelphia for a 1958 third-round pick and selected Tennessee end Bill Anderson at No. 31. Dorow appeared in six games with one start for the Eagles. Anderson became a six-year Washington receiving fixture, made two Pro Bowls, topped 700 receiving yards in 1959, and ultimately produced more than 3,000 NFL receiving yards.
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Al Dorow
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1958 third round pick (#31- Bill Anderson (a))
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Washington dealt quarterback Al Dorow to Philadelphia in 1957 for the Eagles’ third-round choice in the 1958 draft. Washington historical material later identified that pick as the selection used on Tennessee end Bill Anderson. For Philadelphia, the move was a depth play at the league’s most important position. For Washington, it was a chance to convert a veteran quarterback into a premium top-35 draft choice.
What Washington Received
Anderson became an immediate contributor. Pro Football Reference lists him with 18 receptions for 396 yards as a rookie and then 35 catches for 734 yards and six touchdowns in 1959. He earned Pro Bowl selections in 1959 and 1960 and remained with Washington through 1963. Across his NFL career, Anderson caught 178 passes for 3,048 yards and 15 touchdowns. Those numbers are especially meaningful for his era, and Washington received the bulk of his prime production. This was not merely a successful draft pick; it was a long-term offensive starter obtained for a quarterback the club was ready to move.
What Philadelphia Received
Dorow played six games for the 1957 Eagles and started once. He completed 17 of 36 passes for 212 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions. He later found substantial success in the AFL with the New York Titans, but that production did not accrue to Philadelphia. The Eagles received short-term depth, then watched the asset they surrendered become a multi-year Pro Bowl receiver in Washington.
Final Verdict
Washington Commanders Win. The direct comparison is decisive: six games of reserve quarterback play versus six Washington seasons from Anderson, including two Pro Bowl campaigns. Washington earns an A for converting surplus quarterback depth into a high-quality long-term starter. Philadelphia earns a D+ because Dorow was a legitimate NFL player and provided some immediate depth, but the Eagles captured only a small fraction of his later professional value while surrendering the pick that became Anderson.