Philadelphia traded quarterback Don McPherson to Houston on…
Philadelphia traded quarterback Don McPherson to Houston on August 2, 1990 for the Oilers' 1991 sixth-round pick, No. 156. The Eagles used it on defensive lineman Andy Harmon, who became a long-term starter and recorded 39.5 sacks during seven seasons with Philadelphia. Houston did not receive comparable value from McPherson. The Eagles turn a reserve quarterback into an A-grade return, while Houston receives a D+.
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 1991 sixth round pick (#156-Andy Harmon)
Tennessee Titans Received
- player Don McPherson
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On August 2, 1990, Philadelphia sent quarterback Don McPherson to the Houston Oilers for a sixth-round choice in the 1991 draft. That selection became No. 156 overall, which the Eagles used on Kent State defensive lineman Andy Harmon. At the time, the transaction looked like a modest veteran-for-late-pick move. In hindsight, the identity and production of the drafted player make it one of the stronger small-value conversions in this portion of the ledger.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Harmon became far more than a typical sixth-round flyer. He spent seven seasons with Philadelphia, started 61 games and produced 39.5 sacks. His peak included double-digit-sack caliber interior production, giving the Eagles several years of real defensive value from a pick acquired for a quarterback they were prepared to move. Philadelphia converted surplus depth into a player who became a core contributor.
Houston Oilers Return Return
Houston's side did not generate a comparable football payoff. McPherson did not become a long-term starting answer or a similarly durable contributor for the Oilers. The acquisition cost was only a sixth-rounder, so the mistake was not catastrophic, but the opportunity cost became substantial once the Eagles used that exact selection on Harmon.
Value in Hindsight
Late-round deals often look insignificant until a pick is tied to a specific player. Here, the downstream identity matters enormously. Philadelphia did not merely receive an abstract sixth; it received the selection that produced seven seasons of defensive line value and substantial sack production.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia Eagles Win is decisive. Philadelphia receives an A for turning a movable quarterback into Andy Harmon. Houston receives a D+ because the cost was modest, but the club surrendered the asset that became the transaction's only durable impact player.