Tampa Bay traded guard Sean Farrell to New England on…
Tampa Bay traded guard Sean Farrell to New England on February 4, 1987 for the Patriots' second-, seventh-, and ninth-round selections. The Buccaneers used those picks on Don Smith, Harry Swayne, and Greg Davis. Farrell then started regularly for New England for three seasons, while Tampa Bay's three-player return produced mixed results. The final value lands close to even.
New England Patriots Received
- player Sean Farrell
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- pick 1987 second round pick (#51-Don Smith (Michael))
- pick 1987 seventh round pick (#190-Harry Swayne)
- pick 1987 ninth round pick (#246-Greg Davis (b. 1965-10-29))
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Sean Farrell had started 59 games for Tampa Bay from 1982 through 1986, but he wanted a change and the Buccaneers granted it under new coach Ray Perkins. Tampa Bay's 1998 media guide dates the trade to February 4, 1987. New England sent three choices in that year's draft: its second-, seventh-, and ninth-round selections.
What New England Received
Farrell immediately strengthened a Patriots offensive line that had struggled the previous season. He started throughout 1987 and remained a regular starter in 1988 and 1989. New England received three seasons of dependable veteran guard play, a meaningful return for a club trying to stabilize its offense after consecutive playoff appearances.
What Tampa Bay Received
The Buccaneers used the acquired choices on running back Don Smith, tackle Harry Swayne, and kicker Greg Davis. Smith produced only modest offense. Davis did not become a long-term Buccaneer. Swayne was the most durable player of the three and eventually built a lengthy NFL career, although much of his later starting success came after leaving Tampa Bay. The package therefore had legitimate depth and future value without producing a singular Tampa Bay cornerstone.
Reconciling the Draft Numbers
New England's historical draft notes describe its seventh- and ninth-round slots as Nos. 191 and 247, while the completed 1987 draft lists Swayne and Davis at Nos. 190 and 246. Contemporary draft results and Tampa Bay's own draft history support the actual selection numbers used here. The underlying compensation remains the same three Patriots choices.
Final Verdict
This is an Even Trade, graded C+ for both teams. New England received the cleaner immediate return through Farrell's three seasons as a starter, while Tampa Bay gained three selections and one notably durable NFL player in Swayne. Neither side created enough separation for a directional verdict.