Philadelphia acquired tackle John Michels from Green Bay for…
Philadelphia acquired tackle John Michels from Green Bay for defensive end Jon Harris on September 1, 1999. The name is John Michels, despite secondary listings that render it as Michaels. Neither player generated meaningful regular-season value for the acquiring club. Philadelphia released Michels within weeks, while Green Bay released Harris, later re-signed him and kept him inactive. With essentially no on-field payoff on either side, the deal grades as a low-value draw.
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Jon Harris
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player John Michels
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Philadelphia and Green Bay swapped Jon Harris and offensive tackle John Michels on September 1, 1999. Official NFL transaction material and Green Bay's own historical profile identify the tackle as John Michels. Some secondary trade listings use the spelling John Michaels, but the player identity is clear and the asset label should use the supported spelling.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Philadelphia acquired Michels after he had spent time with Green Bay. His Eagles stay was brief. The team released him later in September, and he did not establish a meaningful regular-season role for Philadelphia. Whatever preseason depth value the Eagles hoped to gain did not turn into durable game-day contribution.
Green Bay Packers Return
The Packers acquired Harris, a former first-round defensive end. Green Bay released him shortly after the trade, then brought him back late in the season. Contemporary roster history indicates that he remained inactive rather than producing a regular-season appearance for the Packers. His later career continued elsewhere, but that does not add value to Green Bay's side of this exchange.
Value in Hindsight
Neither team obtained a contributor. Philadelphia's acquired tackle was gone quickly, and Green Bay's acquired defensive end did not generate regular-season production. The supported spelling matters for historical accuracy, but it does not change the football evaluation. Both returns were effectively negligible.
Final Verdict
The trade is even at a low grade. Philadelphia and Green Bay each earn a C-. Both clubs made a reasonable preseason attempt to exchange players who needed new opportunities, yet neither side converted the move into meaningful regular-season or long-term roster value.