Philadelphia turned veteran guard Mark Nordquist into two…
Philadelphia turned veteran guard Mark Nordquist into two future draft choices, then converted those picks into running backs Mike Hogan and Wilbert Montgomery. Hogan started immediately and produced three useful seasons in Philadelphia, while Montgomery became a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the defining Eagles runners of his era. That extraordinary downstream return makes this a decisive Philadelphia win.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Mark Nordquist
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 1976 ninth round pick (#247-Mike Hogan)
- pick 1977 sixth round pick (#154-Wilbert Montgomery)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Philadelphia sent guard Mark Nordquist to Chicago on April 22, 1975, for future ninth- and sixth-round selections. The ninth-round choice became Mike Hogan at No. 247 in 1976, and the sixth-round choice became Wilbert Montgomery at No. 154 in 1977. Chicago received an experienced lineman who immediately stepped into the lineup.
What Chicago Received
Nordquist gave the Bears useful short-term stability. He played all 14 games in 1975 and started 13, so Chicago did receive real veteran value rather than an empty roster move. The problem is duration and opportunity cost. His Chicago contribution did not approach the multi-year impact created by the picks the Bears surrendered.
What Philadelphia Received
Hogan was already a strong return for a ninth-round choice. He started eight games as a rookie, rushed for 561 yards in 1976, and followed with 546 and 607 rushing yards in the next two seasons. Montgomery then transformed the deal. He rushed for 6,789 career yards, earned two Pro Bowl selections, and became the centerpiece of Philadelphia's late-1970s and early-1980s offense. The sixth-rounder alone would have made the transaction memorable; adding Hogan makes the return exceptional.
Why Philadelphia Wins
This is a classic example of future draft capital multiplying in value. Chicago got one solid season from Nordquist. Philadelphia got one productive starter from the first pick and a franchise-level running back from the second. Montgomery's peak, longevity, and importance to winning Eagles teams create a gap that no reasonable weighting of Nordquist's 1975 season can close.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia receives an A and Chicago a D. The Bears acquired immediate line help, but the Eagles turned the outgoing veteran into two productive backs, including one of the best runners in franchise history. Philadelphia wins comfortably.