Philadelphia acquired quarterback Matt Cavanaugh from San…
Philadelphia acquired quarterback Matt Cavanaugh from San Francisco during the 1986 draft, sending the 49ers a 1986 third-round pick and a 1987 second-round pick. Cavanaugh provided veteran quarterback depth but only limited starting production in Philadelphia. The Eagles received a usable player, yet the two-pick price became much more valuable once San Francisco converted the selections into Tim McKyer and Jeff Bregel.
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Matt Cavanaugh
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1986 third round pick (#64- Tim McKyer )
- pick 1987 second round pick (#37-Jeff Bregel)
Trade Analysis
Why San Francisco Moved Cavanaugh
The 49ers decided in April 1986 that they could move veteran backup quarterback Matt Cavanaugh and rely on other options behind Joe Montana. Philadelphia paid a third-round choice in the current draft plus a second-rounder in 1987. That was a strong return for a reserve quarterback and gave San Francisco two chances to add younger players without weakening the starting lineup.
What the 49ers Turned the Picks Into
San Francisco used the 1986 third-round selection, No. 64, on Tim McKyer. He became an immediate starter at cornerback and intercepted six passes as a rookie. The future second-round choice became No. 37 in 1987, where the 49ers selected offensive lineman Jeff Bregel. Even without requiring both players to become stars, the package supplied San Francisco with a young starting defensive back and another high-value roster piece.
What Philadelphia Received
Cavanaugh gave Philadelphia veteran quarterback depth and some spot-starting ability. That had real value for a club trying to stabilize the position, but his Eagles tenure was limited. He did not become a long-term starter or a player whose production justified surrendering both a third-round pick and a future second-round selection.
How the Value Settled
The strongest element of the trade is McKyer. San Francisco converted part of the return into a defensive back who played immediately and contributed to a championship-caliber roster. Philadelphia received the safer short-term veteran, but the 49ers captured the much larger combination of youth, control and draft upside.
Final Verdict
San Francisco earns an A- and Philadelphia a C. Cavanaugh was useful depth, but two substantial selections for a reserve quarterback proved expensive. McKyer's immediate impact and the added Bregel pick make this a San Francisco 49ers Win.