Atlanta acquired quarterback Jeff George from Indianapolis…
Atlanta acquired quarterback Jeff George from Indianapolis for two 1994 picks and a conditional 1996 first-rounder. George produced several prolific passing seasons for the Falcons, but Indianapolis eventually converted the future first into No. 19 and selected Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison. The Colts' return, especially Harrison, overwhelms Atlanta's shorter quarterback payoff.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Jeff George
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1994 1st round pick (7th overall subsequently traded, Bryant Young )
- pick 1994 3rd round pick (83rd overall subsequently traded, James Bostic )
- pick 1996 conditional 1st round pick (19th overall, Marvin Harrison)
Trade Analysis
The Jeff George trade was a major reset for both franchises. Indianapolis sent the former first overall pick to Atlanta on March 24, 1994. In return, the Colts received Atlanta's 1994 first-round pick at No. 7, a 1994 third-rounder at No. 83 and a conditional 1996 first-round selection. The condition tied the future compensation to George's playing time and Atlanta's success; it ultimately became the 19th overall pick in 1996.
Atlanta did not receive nothing for its investment. George started 26 games for the Falcons across three seasons, threw for more than 8,500 yards with the club and delivered high-volume passing production. His 1995 season included 4,143 passing yards and helped Atlanta reach the playoffs. The relationship deteriorated the following year, however, and George's Falcons tenure ended without becoming the stable long-term answer the acquisition price demanded.
Indianapolis's 1994 picks moved again in subsequent draft maneuvering, so it would be misleading to credit the Colts with Bryant Young or James Bostic simply because those names became attached to the original slots. The cleaner outcome is the future first. Indianapolis retained the 1996 selection and used No. 19 on Marvin Harrison, who became Peyton Manning's defining receiver, an eight-time Pro Bowler and a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
That single conversion makes the verdict clear. Atlanta obtained legitimate short-term quarterback value and even a playoff season, but it paid premium multi-year capital for a relationship that lasted only three seasons. Indianapolis escaped a troubled quarterback situation, replenished its draft flexibility and ultimately turned the delayed compensation into one of the greatest players in franchise history.