Atlanta Falcons received 1979 fourth round pick (#100-Lynn…
Atlanta Falcons received 1979 fourth round pick (#100-Lynn Cain) and 1980 fourth round pick (#105-I.M. Hipp). Atlanta turned one fourth-round choice into Lynn Cain, who became a productive multi-year Falcon, while the second choice added another usable asset to the package. That result supports a A- grade for Atlanta Falcons. The final verdict is Atlanta Falcons Win, based on the documented service, durability, and value each club actually obtained from this exchange.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1979 fourth round pick (#100-Lynn Cain)
- pick 1980 fourth round pick (#105-I.M. Hipp)
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Claude Humphrey
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1979-03-05, Atlanta Falcons received 1979 fourth round pick (#100-Lynn Cain) and 1980 fourth round pick (#105-I.M. Hipp), while Philadelphia Eagles received Claude Humphrey. The trade is judged by the regular-season service, draft value, and durability each club actually obtained. The stakes were modest, so the grades reward useful production without treating the move like a franchise-changing deal.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta Falcons received 1979 fourth round pick (#100-Lynn Cain) and 1980 fourth round pick (#105-I.M. Hipp). Atlanta turned one fourth-round choice into Lynn Cain, who became a productive multi-year Falcon, while the second choice added another usable asset to the package. That result supports a A- grade for Atlanta Falcons. The final verdict is Atlanta Falcons Win, based on the documented service, durability, and value each club actually obtained from this exchange.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Philadelphia Eagles received Claude Humphrey. Claude Humphrey delivered major pass-rush value in Philadelphia and helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl XV, making the veteran return highly successful even in a narrow loss. That result supports a B+ grade for Philadelphia Eagles. The final verdict is Atlanta Falcons Win, based on the documented service, durability, and value each club actually obtained from this exchange.
Value in Hindsight
Atlanta received two fourth-round choices and converted one into running back Lynn Cain, who became a productive multi-year Falcon. Philadelphia acquired Hall of Fame defensive end Claude Humphrey, who delivered major pass-rush value and helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl XV. Both teams benefited substantially; Atlanta's longer combined return gives the Falcons a narrow hindsight edge rather than the low grades currently attached to the row. In hindsight, the stronger side is the club that converted its incoming package into more durable or productive NFL value. When both sides received useful contributions, the grades remain close; when one return failed to generate regular-season service, the gap grows accordingly.
Final Verdict
The final call is Atlanta Falcons Win. Atlanta Falcons earns A-, and Philadelphia Eagles earns B+. Those grades reflect the documented package, the service or draft value that followed, and the relative durability of each club's direct return. The conclusion stays focused on what each team actually received from this transaction.