Oakland sent James McAlister to Philadelphia for a future…
Oakland sent James McAlister to Philadelphia for a future second-round pick, then used the No. 35 selection in 1977 on defensive back Mike Davis. McAlister gave the Eagles useful short-term offense, but Davis played 115 games for the Raiders and became a durable secondary contributor during a championship era. The longer, more valuable return gives Oakland the win without making Philadelphia's side a total miss.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1977 second round pick (#35- Mike Davis (Leonard))
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player James McAlister
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Philadelphia acquired running back James McAlister from Oakland in August 1975. The Raiders received a 1977 second-round choice, No. 35 overall, and eventually selected defensive back Mike Davis. The exchange therefore became a short-term offensive contributor for Philadelphia against a long-term defensive contributor for Oakland.
What James McAlister Gave Philadelphia
McAlister was not an empty return. He appeared in 27 games across two Eagles seasons and provided several hundred rushing yards along with receiving value. That gave Philadelphia immediate backfield help and keeps the deal from belonging in the same category as trades where the acquired veteran produced almost nothing.
Why Mike Davis Tilted the Deal
Davis lasted much longer. He played 115 games for the Raiders and remained with the franchise throughout his NFL career. That kind of durability from a second-round selection gave Oakland years of roster stability and defensive value beyond McAlister's shorter Eagles tenure.
How Time Changed the Evaluation
At the moment of the deal, Philadelphia received the known player while Oakland waited nearly two years to spend the pick. Hindsight rewards the Raiders because the delayed asset developed into a player who contributed for most of a decade and stayed useful through multiple competitive Raiders seasons.
Final Verdict
Oakland wins and receives an A-. Turning one veteran into a second-round pick that became a 115-game Raider was excellent asset conversion. Philadelphia earns a C rather than a failing grade because McAlister provided real short-term production, but his two-season contribution could not match Davis's sustained value in Oakland.