On 1960-08-23, Dallas Cowboys received Kirk Phares, while…
On 1960-08-23, Dallas Cowboys received Kirk Phares, while Green Bay Packers received draft pick (selection not identified). The hindsight verdict is Dallas Cowboys Win, with Dallas Cowboys graded B and Green Bay Packers graded C+. The evaluation credits only the consideration that can be traced confidently and keeps uncertain pick details out of the final judgment.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Kirk Phares
Green Bay Packers Received
- pick draft pick (selection not identified)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Green Bay traded guard Kirk Phares to Dallas on August 23, 1960 for an undisclosed draft choice. The transaction itself is documented clearly, but the later identity of the draft choice is not established. That limitation is important because assigning an unsupported player to Green Bay would exaggerate the return and distort the hindsight comparison.
Dallas Cowboys Return
Dallas received Phares, giving the expansion-era Cowboys a young offensive lineman acquired directly from Green Bay. The surviving record supports the player movement without requiring any extra inference. Dallas earns the stronger grade because its side of the exchange is concrete: a specific player arrived, while Green Bay's compensation cannot be followed to a verified selection.
Green Bay Packers Return
Green Bay received a draft choice, but the selection remains unidentified. Draft capital still carried value, especially for a club building through the draft, yet the lack of a traceable pick prevents a stronger hindsight claim. The Packers therefore receive credit for obtaining future consideration without being credited for a player or outcome that the evidence cannot establish.
Value in Hindsight
This trade is a good example of why historical grading has to stop where the transaction trail stops. Dallas can be tied to Phares with confidence. Green Bay can be tied to an undisclosed choice, but not to a specific later pick. That asymmetry favors Dallas modestly rather than overwhelmingly.
Final Verdict
Dallas gets the B and the win, while Green Bay lands at C+. The Cowboys acquired the only fully identifiable football asset in the exchange. Green Bay still deserves a respectable grade for securing draft compensation, but the unknown selection keeps the Packers from matching Dallas in hindsight.