Detroit received Dave Smukler for Ray George and Joe Wendlick…
Detroit received Dave Smukler for Ray George and Joe Wendlick in April 1940. Smukler did not play a regular-season game for the Lions after the trade; biographical material places his departure from pro football around his military service. Philadelphia, meanwhile, got nine games and two starts from Wendlick plus two appearances from George, leaving Detroit without a realized roster return.
Detroit Lions Received
- player Dave Smukler
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Ray George
- player Joe Wendlick
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Philadelphia acquired Ray George and Joe Wendlick from Detroit in April 1940 for Dave Smukler. The old framing can be misleading if Smukler is treated as though Detroit received a useful veteran contribution. The documented post-trade record instead shows the Eagles receiving the only measurable regular-season service.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Wendlick supplied the larger portion of Philadelphia's return. He appeared in nine games with two starts for the Eagles in 1940 and caught eight passes for 67 yards. George added two more Philadelphia appearances. Neither player became a long-term cornerstone, but together they produced real regular-season service immediately after the trade.
Detroit Lions Return
Detroit received Smukler, but he did not appear in a regular-season game for the Lions after the transaction. Biographical material places his exit from professional football around his military service, so there is no supportable Detroit playing contribution to credit. The Lions' return therefore produced no measurable on-field value.
Value in Hindsight
Philadelphia has the clear edge because it received actual game and starting service from two players while Detroit received none from Smukler. The Eagles' return was modest rather than transformative, but it was still materially better than a zero-game outcome.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia Eagles Win. Philadelphia earns a B- for nine games and two starts from Wendlick plus two appearances from George. Detroit earns a D because Smukler did not provide a regular-season appearance for the Lions after the trade. The researched outcomes support a firmer Philadelphia advantage than the old generic veteran-value language suggested.