Indianapolis acquired defensive tackle Anthony McFarland from…
Indianapolis acquired defensive tackle Anthony McFarland from Tampa Bay at the 2006 trade deadline for a 2007 second-round pick. McFarland stepped into the Colts defense and helped the club finish its run to a Super Bowl XLI championship. Tampa Bay used No. 64 on safety Sabby Piscitelli, who started 20 games for the Buccaneers, giving both sides real value.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Anthony McFarland
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- pick 2007 2nd round pick (64th overall, Sabby Piscitelli)
Trade Analysis
Why Indianapolis Made the Move
The Colts acquired Anthony McFarland from Tampa Bay in October 2006 as they tried to strengthen the interior of a defense with championship expectations. Indianapolis sent a 2007 second-round pick, a meaningful price for a veteran during the season. Tampa Bay was able to convert an established player into premium draft capital while the Colts prioritized immediate help.
What McFarland Gave the Colts
McFarland joined Indianapolis for the stretch run and became part of the defense that won Super Bowl XLI. His value is best understood in context: the Colts were pursuing a title immediately, and the trade supplied an experienced defensive tackle who could step into the rotation without a development period. The championship result gives the acquisition a level of payoff that ordinary midseason rentals rarely reach.
How Tampa Bay Fared
The Buccaneers used the 64th overall pick in 2007 on safety Sabby Piscitelli. He appeared in 45 games for Tampa Bay and started 20, recording five interceptions during his Buccaneers tenure. That is useful second-round production even if Piscitelli never became a long-term star. The malformed duplicate player entry previously attached to the Tampa Bay return is removed; the actual compensation was the pick that became Piscitelli.
Why This Trade Still Matters
Both sides can be satisfied with what they received. Tampa Bay obtained a young defensive back who started games, while Indianapolis converted a future premium pick into immediate help during a championship season. The Colts' timing raises the value of their return because the acquisition served the exact competitive window it was designed to address.
Final Verdict
Indianapolis Colts Win. Indianapolis earns an A- because McFarland provided immediate veteran help on a team that won the Super Bowl months later. Tampa Bay receives a B- because Piscitelli became a legitimate contributor and starter. The Buccaneers got useful long-term value, but the Colts' direct championship payoff gives Indianapolis the stronger result.