New England acquired linebacker Bill Hobbs from Philadelphia…
New England acquired linebacker Bill Hobbs from Philadelphia for veteran defensive tackle Houston Antwine. Hobbs did not provide a comparable Patriots return and finished the 1972 season with New Orleans, limiting the value New England realized from the exchange. The Patriots still took a reasonable chance on a younger defensive piece, but the outcome supports a C- grade and leaves them on the weaker side.
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Houston Antwine
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1972-05-20, New England Patriots received Bill Hobbs / Billy Hobbs / Will Hobbs / Willie Hobbs, while Philadelphia Eagles received Houston Antwine. The supported package gives both clubs a clear return to evaluate, so the outcome can be judged by the football value each franchise actually realized after the exchange.
New England Patriots Return
New England acquired linebacker Bill Hobbs from Philadelphia for veteran defensive tackle Houston Antwine. Hobbs did not provide a comparable Patriots return and finished the 1972 season with New Orleans, limiting the value New England realized from the exchange. The Patriots still took a reasonable chance on a younger defensive piece, but the outcome supports a C- grade and leaves them on the weaker side. The grade reflects the practical value created for the franchise rather than the asset's label or perceived value on the day of the trade.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Philadelphia acquired Houston Antwine and received immediate veteran production in his final NFL season. Antwine played all 14 games and started nine for the Eagles in 1972, providing a clear one-year contribution after the trade. That tangible return exceeded what New England received from Bill Hobbs, supporting a C+ grade and a modest Eagles win rather than a dramatic result. The same standard applies here: actual playing contribution and clearly retained draft value matter more than theoretical upside that never materialized.
Value in Hindsight
This deal is best judged by immediate usefulness. Philadelphia received a veteran who played every game and started most of the season, while Hobbs did not establish comparable value for New England. Antwine's contribution was short-lived, which keeps the grade spread small, but it still gives the Eagles the stronger outcome.
Final Verdict
The final call is Philadelphia Eagles Win. New England Patriots earns C-, and Philadelphia Eagles earns C+. Those grades reflect the supported package and the relative football value each side realized while keeping the scale of the transaction in proper context.