San Francisco traded tight end Bob Windsor to New England on…
San Francisco traded tight end Bob Windsor to New England on July 31, 1972 for the Patriots' 1974 first-round selection. Windsor had a limited Patriots tenure, while the 49ers ultimately used the ninth overall pick on running back Wilbur Jackson. Securing a top-ten first-rounder for a non-core veteran created a major long-term asset advantage for San Francisco.
New England Patriots Received
- player Bob Windsor
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1974 first round pick (#9-Wilbur Jackson)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On July 31, 1972, San Francisco sent tight end Bob Windsor to New England for the Patriots' first-round choice in the 1974 draft. Draft-trade material traces that selection directly to the Windsor deal. Two years later, the pick landed at No. 9 overall and the 49ers used it on running back Wilbur Jackson.
What San Francisco Received
The 49ers acquired premium future draft capital for a veteran player. A first-round choice always carried meaningful upside, and this one became especially valuable when New England's draft position placed it inside the top ten. San Francisco converted No. 9 into Jackson, who played multiple seasons for the 49ers and became a significant contributor in their backfield. That is both strong asset acquisition and productive draft conversion.
What New England Received
Windsor had established NFL experience and gave the Patriots a veteran tight end, but his New England tenure did not approach the long-term value of the pick surrendered. The cost became more painful once the future first-rounder turned into a top-ten selection. Even without judging the transaction solely by draft position luck, New England paid a premium asset for a return that did not become a major franchise piece.
Final Verdict
San Francisco wins decisively. The 49ers obtained a future first-rounder, watched it mature into the ninth overall pick and selected a productive multi-season player. New England received limited veteran value by comparison. An A- for San Francisco reflects the combination of excellent acquisition cost and successful conversion, while C for the Patriots recognizes that Windsor supplied some roster value but not enough to justify the surrendered first-round choice.