San Francisco moved up from No. 31 to No. 18 for safety Eric…
San Francisco moved up from No. 31 to No. 18 for safety Eric Reid, who became an immediate starter and Pro Bowler, so the 49ers received substantial value. Dallas still won the exchange by turning the return into center Travis Frederick and receiver Terrance Williams. Frederick became a five-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro, while Williams added years of starting-caliber production. Both sides succeeded, but Dallas gained more.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- pick 2013 1st round pick (31st overall, Travis Frederick)
- pick 2013 3rd round pick (74th overall, Terrance Williams )
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 2013 1st round pick (18th overall, Eric Reid)
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
San Francisco entered the 2013 draft with abundant picks and a need at safety after Dashon Goldson’s departure. The 49ers moved from No. 31 to No. 18, sending Dallas a third-round choice to secure LSU safety Eric Reid. Dallas preferred additional value and was comfortable moving down while keeping a first-round selection.
What Each Side Actually Got
Reid justified the aggressive move. He started immediately, earned Pro Bowl recognition as a rookie and remained a starting safety throughout five seasons with San Francisco. Dallas used No. 31 on center Travis Frederick and No. 74 on receiver Terrance Williams. Frederick became the centerpiece of one of the league’s best offensive lines, making five Pro Bowls and earning first-team All-Pro honors. Williams spent six seasons with Dallas and contributed as a starter and complementary deep threat.
How the Value Aged
This is a trade with two successful outcomes. San Francisco got the exact player it targeted, and Reid delivered meaningful first-round value. Dallas simply created more. Frederick developed into an elite player at a premium offensive-line position, and the additional third-round pick produced another multi-year contributor. The Cowboys’ combined return exceeded even a very good Reid tenure.
Why the Margin Matters
The 49ers should not be punished with a weak grade merely because Dallas did better. Their trade-up worked. The distinction is that Dallas converted one first-round slot into two players who together supplied more years and higher peak value.
Final Verdict
Dallas Cowboys Win. Dallas earns an A+ for landing an All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowl center plus a long-term receiver. San Francisco receives a B+ because Reid was a successful five-year starter and rookie Pro Bowler, even though the Cowboys’ two-player return was stronger.