Atlanta traded Tony Casillas to Dallas on July 22, 1991, for…
Atlanta traded Tony Casillas to Dallas on July 22, 1991, for the Cowboys' 1992 second-round pick and a conditional later selection that became an eighth-rounder. Atlanta used the second-round choice on Chuck Smith, who produced 58.5 career sacks. Dallas received a starting defensive tackle for its 1992 and 1993 championship teams, giving both clubs substantial lasting value.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1992 second round pick (#51-Chuck Smith)
- pick 1992 conditional pick (became eighth round pick #217-Reggie Dwight)
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Tony Casillas
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Dallas acquired defensive tackle Tony Casillas from Atlanta in July 1991. The Falcons received Dallas' 1992 second-round selection and a conditional later pick. The second-round choice became defensive end Chuck Smith. The conditional selection ultimately landed in the eighth round and became Reggie Dwight, matching Dallas' own draft history that shows its second- and eighth-round choices went to Atlanta for Casillas.
Why the Date Is Settled
The NFL's official 1991 transaction listing records the Casillas trade on July 22. Dallas also identifies July 22, 1991, when recounting the move, and its draft history confirms the compensation. Some retrospective draft transaction tables use July 21, but the league transaction date and the acquiring team's history provide the stronger canonical date for this entry.
How the Return Played Out
Casillas immediately became an important Dallas defensive lineman. He started all 15 games in 1992 and all 15 in 1993, contributing to consecutive Super Bowl championship teams. Atlanta also realized substantial value. Chuck Smith developed into a long-term pass rusher, recording 58.5 career sacks and spending nearly all of that production with the Falcons.
Value on Both Sides
This is not the one-sided Atlanta victory implied by the old grades. Dallas acquired a championship-level starter at the moment its roster was becoming dominant. Atlanta turned an unhappy veteran into a second-round pick that became one of the franchise's productive defensive ends. Each side can point to meaningful, durable football value.
Final Verdict
The canonical date moves to July 22, 1991, and the result moves to Even Trade. B-plus grades for both clubs better reflect Casillas' championship impact in Dallas and Smith's long-term production in Atlanta.