On 1991-04-21, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles…
On 1991-04-21, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles completed a deal whose long-term value became clearer after the players and draft choices developed. Davis became a major starter for Philadelphia, appearing in 78 games and starting 74 during his five Eagles seasons, so the trade was not a simple draft bust. That downstream move is decisive because Green Bay directly controlled the Philadelphia pick and exchanged it for Favre. The result is Green Bay Packers Win, with Green Bay Packers graded A+ and Philadelphia Eagles graded B.
Green Bay Packers Received
- pick 1991 first round pick (#19-Vinnie Clark)
- pick 1992 first round pick (#17-Kevin Smith (Rey))
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 1991 first round pick (#8-Antone Davis)
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Philadelphia moved from No. 19 to No. 8 in the 1991 first round to select offensive tackle Antone Davis. Green Bay received No. 19 plus Philadelphia's 1992 first-round choice. The Eagles were paying a future premium asset to secure a tackle they believed could stabilize the line immediately, while the Packers accepted a one-year delay for a second first-round opportunity.
What Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles Received
Davis became a major starter for Philadelphia, appearing in 78 games and starting 74 during his five Eagles seasons, so the trade was not a simple draft bust. Green Bay selected cornerback Vinnie Clark at No. 19, then received the 17th pick in the 1992 draft. Rather than make that selection, the Packers traded No. 17 to Atlanta for quarterback Brett Favre.
How the Value Developed
That downstream move is decisive because Green Bay directly controlled the Philadelphia pick and exchanged it for Favre. The Packers therefore deserve credit for the asset becoming the acquisition mechanism for a franchise quarterback, not for the player Atlanta or Dallas later selected with No. 17. Clark also gave Green Bay starting defensive-back snaps, adding value beyond the future first-rounder.
Final Verdict
Green Bay Packers Win. Philadelphia did receive five seasons of heavy starting work from Davis, which warrants a solid B rather than a punitive grade. Green Bay's return, however, included the exact future first-round asset it later exchanged for Favre, one of the most consequential acquisitions in franchise history, plus Vinnie Clark. That combination makes the Packers' side an A+ and creates a clear long-term win.