San Francisco sent quarterback Steve Spurrier to expansion…
San Francisco sent quarterback Steve Spurrier to expansion Tampa Bay for Bruce Elia, Willie McGee and the 1976 second-round pick used on Eddie Lewis. McGee immediately produced 269 receiving yards and four touchdowns in six games before a broken leg. The 49ers received multiple assets and more aggregate value than Tampa Bay realized from one difficult Spurrier season.
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Bruce Elia
- player Willie McGee
- pick 1976 second round pick (#57-Eddie Lewis (a))
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Steve Spurrier (Sr.)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On April 2, 1976, expansion Tampa Bay acquired quarterback Steve Spurrier from San Francisco. The 49ers received Bruce Elia, Willie McGee and a second-round choice that became No. 57 Eddie Lewis. Historical team material confirms the three-part San Francisco package; a duplicated combined Elia-McGee entry is not part of the actual deal.
What Tampa Bay Received
Spurrier became the veteran quarterback for the Buccaneers' inaugural season. NFL records show 14 appearances and 12 starts in 1976, with 156 completions on 311 attempts for 1,628 yards, seven touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He provided experience to an expansion team that finished 0-14, but his Tampa Bay tenure lasted only that season.
What San Francisco Received
The 49ers received multiple roster assets. Their 1977 media material notes that McGee caught 13 passes for 269 yards and four touchdowns in just six games in 1976 before suffering a broken leg. San Francisco also received Elia and the second-round selection used on Eddie Lewis, giving the club several chances to create value from one departing quarterback.
Why San Francisco Wins
Tampa Bay's need for an experienced quarterback made the move understandable, and Spurrier did take most of the team's starts. Yet the Buccaneers paid three distinct assets for one losing-season bridge. San Francisco received immediate production from McGee plus another player and a second-round pick, creating the stronger aggregate return.
Final Verdict
San Francisco receives a B+ and Tampa Bay receives a C. The 49ers won because their multi-asset package generated more total value, while Spurrier's Buccaneers contribution was limited to the franchise's inaugural season.