Los Angeles acquired defensive end Dennis Harrison from…
Los Angeles acquired defensive end Dennis Harrison from Philadelphia on September 28, 1985 for a 1986 fourth-round pick and a 1987 seventh-round asset later used in the 1986 supplemental draft. Harrison supplied three sacks in 12 Rams games, but his stay was brief. The two outgoing assets ultimately gave Philadelphia substantially more lasting value than the Rams received.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Dennis Harrison
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 1986 fourth round pick (#106-Matt Darwin)
- pick 1987 seventh round pick (used in 1986 supplemental draft for Charles Crawford)
Trade Analysis
Why the Rams Added Dennis Harrison
Los Angeles was contending in 1985 and chose immediate defensive-line help over future draft capital. Dennis Harrison arrived from Philadelphia on September 28 for two future assets. He played 12 games for the Rams that season and recorded three sacks, so the acquisition gave the club useful veteran snaps during a playoff year.
What Harrison Delivered
The problem for Los Angeles was duration. Harrison’s Rams contribution was concentrated in a short window rather than becoming a multi-year piece. Three sacks in 12 games had value to a team trying to win immediately, but it was not enough production to erase the opportunity cost of sending away two draft assets.
What Philadelphia Received
The Eagles received a 1986 fourth-round pick, No. 106 overall, and a 1987 seventh-round asset that was used in the 1986 supplemental draft for Charles Crawford. Philadelphia used No. 106 on offensive lineman Matt Darwin. Darwin became the strongest direct outcome of the deal, appearing in 61 games and starting 52 for the Eagles. That is the kind of multi-season lineup value teams hope to find beyond the early rounds.
How the Value Settled
Los Angeles got the short-term help it wanted, which keeps the Rams from receiving a failing grade. Philadelphia, however, turned one of the returned selections into a long-running starter while also controlling another draft asset. The Eagles’ side carried both more duration and more aggregate opportunity.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia earns an A- and Los Angeles a C. Harrison was useful during the 1985 stretch run, but Darwin’s 52 starts and the additional draft asset gave the Eagles far more lasting value. This is a Philadelphia Eagles Win.