Philadelphia acquired veteran defensive end Burt Grossman…
Philadelphia acquired veteran defensive end Burt Grossman from the Chargers for a 1995 sixth-round pick. Grossman gave the Eagles one useful season, appearing in 14 games, starting twice and recording 5.5 sacks. The pick became No. 183, Brandon Harrison, and did not yield comparable NFL production for the Chargers. Philadelphia did not secure a long-term building block, but it received immediate pass-rush value that clearly exceeded the realized return from the late-round choice.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1995 6th round pick (183rd overall, Brandon Harrison )
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Burt Grossman
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Philadelphia acquired defensive end Burt Grossman from the Chargers on April 7, 1994. The Eagles sent a sixth-round choice in the 1995 draft, later the 183rd overall selection used on Brandon Harrison. Grossman was an established veteran pass rusher, so Philadelphia was trading future draft flexibility for immediate defensive help.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Grossman delivered useful short-term production. He appeared in 14 games for the Eagles in 1994, started twice and recorded 5.5 sacks. That was his final NFL season, so Philadelphia did not receive a multi-year asset, but it did get exactly the kind of veteran pass-rush contribution the trade was intended to provide. For a sixth-round cost, 5.5 sacks is a solid realized return.
Los Angeles Chargers Return
The Chargers received a future sixth-round choice. The pick ultimately became Brandon Harrison at No. 183 overall. The selection did not generate an NFL return comparable to Grossman's Philadelphia season. Late-round picks carry useful optionality, but the actual outcome here did not produce a contributor who offset the veteran production surrendered.
Value in Hindsight
The Eagles' advantage comes from certainty and realized production. Grossman was a one-year rental, which limits the ceiling of the grade, yet he gave Philadelphia 14 games and meaningful pass-rush output. The Chargers received draft capital, but the eventual pick did not become a useful NFL player.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia wins. The Eagles earn a B for turning a sixth-round pick into a productive veteran season. The Chargers earn a C- because the future selection preserved some initial value but did not ultimately produce a comparable football return.