San Francisco traded wide receiver Keith Baker to…
San Francisco traded wide receiver Keith Baker to Philadelphia on August 30, 1985 for the 1986 eighth-round pick that became No. 203, Jim Popp. Baker gave the Eagles eight games, one start and two receptions for 25 yards that season. Popp signed with the 49ers after the draft but was released before the 1986 regular season and never played an NFL game for San Francisco. Philadelphia earned the modest but clear realized-value edge.
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Keith Baker
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1986 eighth round pick (#203-Jim Popp)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On August 30, 1985, San Francisco sent wide receiver Keith Baker to Philadelphia for a future draft choice. Contemporary transaction reporting confirms the player-for-pick deal, and the 1986 draft trail identifies the consideration as Philadelphia's eighth-round selection, No. 203. San Francisco used that choice on Vanderbilt tight end Jim Popp.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Philadelphia received a modest amount of immediate depth from Baker. He appeared in eight games for the 1985 Eagles, started once and caught two passes for 25 yards. Those numbers did not make him an important long-term piece, and his Philadelphia tenure ended after the season. Still, the Eagles received actual regular-season participation and a start from the player they acquired.
San Francisco 49ers Return
San Francisco turned the acquired draft choice into Popp at No. 203. Pro Football Archives records that the 49ers drafted and signed him, then released him on August 19, 1986 before the regular season. Popp therefore produced zero regular-season games or starts for San Francisco. The pick was exercised, so its outcome can be traced cleanly, but the resulting player did not generate receiving-team field value.
Value in Hindsight
Neither return was large. Baker's eight games, one start and 25 receiving yards represent limited contribution, while Popp's 49ers outcome ended before the regular season. The distinction is nevertheless concrete: Philadelphia got some usable NFL service from its acquired player, and San Francisco got none from the player selected with the acquired pick.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia Eagles Win, C+ to C-. Baker's contribution was brief, which keeps the grade gap modest, but Philadelphia received eight games and one start from the player it acquired. San Francisco's selected player never appeared in a regular-season game for the club, creating the Eagles' realized-value edge.