On 1978-08-09, Cleveland Browns received Tom Sullivan, while…
On 1978-08-09, Cleveland Browns received Tom Sullivan, while Philadelphia Eagles received 1979 seventh round pick (#178-Don Swafford). The hindsight verdict is Philadelphia Eagles Win, with Cleveland Browns graded C and Philadelphia Eagles graded C+. The evaluation credits only the consideration that can be traced confidently and keeps uncertain pick details out of the final judgment.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Tom Sullivan
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 1979 seventh round pick (#178- Don Swafford )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Philadelphia traded Tom Sullivan to Cleveland on August 9, 1978 for a 1979 seventh-round draft choice. The draft trail identifies the pick as No. 178, which Cleveland used on Don Swafford. Unlike many late-round historical trades, the selection lineage is specific enough to compare the named player and the documented pick directly.
Cleveland Browns Return
On 1978-08-09, Cleveland Browns received Tom Sullivan, while Philadelphia Eagles received 1979 seventh round pick (#178-Don Swafford). The hindsight verdict is Philadelphia Eagles Win, with Cleveland Browns graded C and Philadelphia Eagles graded C+. The evaluation credits only the consideration that can be traced confidently and keeps uncertain pick details out of the final judgment.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
On 1978-08-09, Philadelphia Eagles received 1979 seventh round pick (#178-Don Swafford), while Cleveland Browns received Tom Sullivan. The hindsight verdict is Philadelphia Eagles Win, with Philadelphia Eagles graded C+ and Cleveland Browns graded C. The evaluation credits only the consideration that can be traced confidently and keeps uncertain pick details out of the final judgment.
Value in Hindsight
The strength of this record is precision. There is no need to guess which pick changed hands or who was selected with it. Philadelphia's compensation can be traced through the draft, while Cleveland's return is Sullivan. The difference is small, so the grades remain close, but the Eagles get the edge.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia earns the C+ and the win, with Cleveland at C. The Eagles converted Sullivan into a traceable seventh-round selection, while the Browns received the veteran player. The documented No. 178 lineage is enough for a narrow Philadelphia advantage, not a dramatic one.