Philadelphia acquired John Tarver from New England for 1975…

The Exchange

Philadelphia acquired running back John Tarver from New England in January 1975. The Patriots received a 1975 fifth-round pick that became No. 117 Steve Freeman and a 1976 eighth-round pick that became No. 217 Rich Sorenson. The later movement of the No. 217 selection belongs to a separate transaction and does not add another direct asset to this exchange.

Philadelphia Eagles Return

Philadelphia acquired John Tarver from New England for 1975 fifth-round No. 117 Steve Freeman and 1976 eighth-round No. 217 Rich Sorenson. Tarver's Eagles tenure was brief and low-impact, while New England retained two draft assets and later moved the No. 217 selection in another deal. The Patriots gained a modest flexibility advantage without producing a major windfall.

Boston/New England Patriots Return

New England moved John Tarver to Philadelphia and received 1975 fifth-round No. 117 plus 1976 eighth-round No. 217, selections tied to Steve Freeman and Rich Sorenson. Tarver did not become a significant Eagles contributor, so the Patriots' two-pick return carried the better overall value. The edge remains modest because neither incoming selection became a major New England star.

Value in Hindsight

This is a small-margin trade rather than a dramatic win. Philadelphia acquired a real player, but Tarver's limited Eagles impact made two selections a relatively expensive price. New England's advantage comes from retaining multiple chances to create future value and from not surrendering a player who later hurt them. The lack of a major Patriots payoff keeps the grades close.

Final Verdict

New England earns a C+ and Philadelphia a C. The Patriots won modestly because two future draft assets outlasted the value Tarver delivered to the Eagles. Philadelphia's side was not disastrous, and the compensation came from later rounds, but the player did not provide enough production to justify giving New England both selections. This is a narrow Patriots win.