Atlanta and Philadelphia exchanged Greg Brown and Mike Pitts…
Atlanta and Philadelphia exchanged Greg Brown and Mike Pitts in September 1987. Team media guides support September 7 as the trade date despite a one-day variance in an NFL transaction listing, so the existing date should remain. Pitts became a major Eagles contributor, playing 75 games over six seasons with 59 starts and 19.5 sacks. Brown's Atlanta tenure was much smaller. Philadelphia clearly captured the stronger long-term defensive return.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Greg Brown (Lee)
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Mike Pitts
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Atlanta and Philadelphia swapped defensive linemen Greg Brown and Mike Pitts in September 1987. The NFL transaction page lists September 8, but Atlanta's 1988 media guide and later biographical material for Pitts identify September 7, while a September 8 wire roundup describes the move among Monday's transactions. The stronger combined evidence supports retaining September 7 rather than forcing a date change.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Brown provided Atlanta with a shorter period of defensive depth. He appeared for the Falcons in 1987 and 1988, giving the club useful snaps but not establishing the kind of long-term starting role the other side received. His Atlanta contribution was real, so the Falcons should not be treated as receiving nothing.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Pitts became a durable part of Philadelphia's defensive front. From 1987 through 1992 he appeared in 75 regular-season games and started 59. His sack totals across those seasons reached 19.5, highlighted by seven sacks in 1989 and four in 1992. He remained with the Eagles for six seasons, repeatedly filling starting and rotational roles before continuing his career in New England.
Value in Hindsight
The advantage is driven by longevity and workload. Atlanta received a useful but comparatively brief return from Brown. Philadelphia received six seasons from Pitts, with dozens of starts and consistent pass-rush production. The one-day source variance on the transaction date is a historical-detail issue, not a reason to alter the supported football evaluation.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia wins clearly. The Eagles earn an A- for acquiring a six-year defensive contributor who started 59 games. Atlanta earns a C because Brown supplied some legitimate value, but the return did not approach Pitts' duration or impact in Philadelphia.