San Francisco acquired tight end Russ Francis and the No. 29…
San Francisco acquired tight end Russ Francis and the No. 29 pick from New England in 1982, then used the selection on tackle Bubba Paris. Both became important contributors on championship teams. New England received picks Nos. 27, 41, 55 and 111, producing Lester Williams, Andre Tippett, Darryl Haley and Brian Ingram, with Tippett becoming the defining asset.
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Russ Francis
- pick 1982 second round pick (#29-William Paris / Bubba Paris)
New England Patriots Received
- pick 1982 first round pick (#27-Lester Williams)
- pick 1982 second round pick (#41-Andre Tippett)
- pick 1982 second round pick (#55- Darryl Haley )
- pick 1982 fourth round pick (#111-Brian Ingram)
Trade Analysis
What the Complete Trade Included
The full 1982 exchange was broader than a simple Russ Francis-for-pick deal. New England sent Francis and its second-round selection, No. 29, to San Francisco. The Patriots received San Francisco's first-rounder at No. 27, second-rounders at Nos. 41 and 55, and fourth-rounder at No. 111. Those selections became Lester Williams, Andre Tippett, Darryl Haley and Brian Ingram.
What San Francisco Received
The 49ers received excellent value. Francis became a regular receiving tight end, caught 166 passes over his San Francisco tenure and contributed to the Super Bowl XIX championship team. Paris became a long-term tackle, starting 105 career games and serving as a major part of San Francisco's offensive line during multiple championship seasons.
Why New England's Return Was Historic
Tippett changes the scale of the comparison. The Patriots Hall of Famer spent his entire career in New England, recorded a franchise-record 100 sacks, made five Pro Bowls and became one of the dominant pass rushers of his era. The additional selections gave New England further roster value, even though none approached Tippett's impact.
Why San Francisco Still Grades Highly
A trade can have a winner without creating a loser. Francis and Paris both became significant pieces for a dynasty, so San Francisco clearly justified the move. New England simply produced an even more extraordinary centerpiece from the package.
Final Verdict
New England earns an A+ and San Francisco an A. The corrected four-pick Patriots return matters, and Tippett's Hall of Fame career is the decisive factor. Francis and Paris made the deal highly successful for the 49ers, but New England captured the best individual value.
San Francisco received two championship contributors, yet Tippett's Hall of Fame career and franchise-record sack total gave New England the most enduring individual asset produced by the broader four-pick return.