Philadelphia sent veteran defensive end Michael Bennett and a…
Philadelphia sent veteran defensive end Michael Bennett and a 2020 seventh-round pick to New England for a 2020 fifth-round selection. Bennett joined the Patriots for the first half of 2019, while the Eagles eventually used the fifth-rounder on wide receiver John Hightower. The realized returns remain close enough that neither club separates from an Even Trade verdict.
New England Patriots Received
- player Michael Bennett
- pick 2020 7th round pick (235th overall subsequently traded, Jashon Cornell)
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 2020 5th round pick (168th overall, John Hightower)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Philadelphia sent veteran defensive end Michael Bennett and a 2020 seventh-round pick to New England for a 2020 fifth-round selection. Bennett joined the Patriots for the first half of 2019, while the Eagles eventually used the fifth-rounder on wide receiver John Hightower.
Why the Value Moved
New England was chasing another championship and valued Bennett as experienced pass-rush depth, but the fit was brief. He appeared in six games for the Patriots before they traded him to Dallas during the season. Philadelphia converted an aging, relatively expensive veteran into a better draft slot, yet Hightower's NFL production was limited and did not turn the deal into a major Eagles success.
How the Trade Aged
Both clubs achieved part of what they wanted without creating a major long-term asset. The Patriots got short-term defensive-line snaps and later recovered another late pick when Bennett was moved again. The Eagles improved their draft position and reduced veteran salary commitments, but the eventual fifth-round selection did not become a fixture. The seventh-rounder sent with Bennett also carried limited standalone value.
Why This Trade Still Matters
Veteran trades near roster cutdowns or during a competitive window often look small when they are announced, yet the realized snaps, contract timing and follow-on value can create clear separation. The key is what the acquiring club actually received before the player moved on, not the reputation attached to the name on transaction day. That lens keeps this verdict tied to football value rather than headline size.
Final Verdict
This is an Even Trade at C/C. New England received some immediate veteran help but not a lasting piece, while Philadelphia obtained a better pick without converting it into substantial production. Neither side generated enough value to create meaningful separation.