Cincinnati traded quarterback Mike Boryla to Philadelphia for…
Cincinnati traded quarterback Mike Boryla to Philadelphia for two future draft choices, which became 1975 sixth-rounder Tom Shuman and 1976 first-rounder Billy Brooks. Bengals historical material supports the two-pick package and does not require the cash previously attached to this record. Boryla had a useful stretch in Philadelphia, including a 1975 Pro Bowl selection, but Cincinnati's first-round return ultimately gives the Bengals the edge.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 1975 sixth round pick (#142-Tom Shuman)
- pick 1976 first round pick (#11-Billy Brooks)
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Mike Boryla
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Cincinnati sent Mike Boryla to Philadelphia in March 1974 for two future draft choices. Bengals records identify those selections as the 1975 sixth-round pick used on Tom Shuman and the 1976 first-round pick used on Billy Brooks. The stronger team history supports that two-pick construction, so an unsupported cash component should not be carried forward.
Why Boryla Had Real Value for Philadelphia
This was not a case where the receiving team got nothing. Boryla stepped into a substantial role for the Eagles, started games across two seasons, and was chosen for the Pro Bowl after the 1975 campaign. His overall passing numbers were uneven, but Philadelphia received a legitimate starting-quarterback window rather than a failed acquisition.
What Cincinnati Turned the Return Into
The most important part of the Bengals' return was the future first-rounder. Cincinnati used the No. 11 choice in 1976 on Billy Brooks, who produced 1,720 receiving yards during his NFL career and gave the Bengals several seasons of offensive value. Shuman, selected in the sixth round a year earlier, added another chance from the same transaction.
Why the First-Round Pick Tilts It
Philadelphia's short-term quarterback benefit deserves credit, which prevents a harsh grade. Still, a future first-round selection is a major price, and Cincinnati converted it into a player who contributed for multiple seasons. The Bengals also retained the extra sixth-round choice, giving them more total opportunity and longer control from the exchange.
Final Verdict
Cincinnati earns a B and the win. The Eagles receive a C+ because Boryla was useful and even reached a Pro Bowl, so the deal was not empty on their side. The first-round value and Brooks' subsequent production are enough to put the Bengals clearly, but not overwhelmingly, ahead.