San Francisco acquired Matt Cavanaugh from New England in…

The Exchange

San Francisco acquired quarterback Matt Cavanaugh from New England in 1983 for a sequence of future draft choices. The Patriots' return resolved into 1984 seventh-round No. 192 Derwin Williams, 1985 eighth-round No. 224 Milford Hodge and 1986 seventh-round No. 187 Ray McDonald. Older descriptions treated portions of the package as conditional, but the realized consideration is three distinct selections rather than a duplicated fourth asset.

San Francisco 49ers Return

San Francisco acquired Matt Cavanaugh from New England in 1983 for three future selections: 1984 seventh-round No. 192 Derwin Williams, 1985 eighth-round No. 224 Milford Hodge and 1986 seventh-round No. 187 Ray McDonald. Cavanaugh provided useful quarterback depth on strong 49ers teams, while the Patriots' picks produced less durable value, giving San Francisco the edge.

Boston/New England Patriots Return

New England sent Matt Cavanaugh to San Francisco for three future draft choices that became Derwin Williams, Milford Hodge and Ray McDonald. The Patriots accumulated multiple chances, but none of those selections matched the practical value Cavanaugh provided as experienced quarterback depth for championship-caliber 49ers teams. San Francisco therefore owns the stronger hindsight return.

Value in Hindsight

The Patriots received more individual assets, but asset count alone does not decide the result. San Francisco obtained a useful quarterback for a contender, while New England's three late selections failed to produce comparable durable value. Because the picks were all in later rounds, the 49ers did not surrender premium capital to obtain that stability.

Final Verdict

San Francisco earns a B- and New England a C. The margin is not enormous, but Cavanaugh's useful tenure on elite 49ers rosters proved more valuable than the Patriots' three late-round outcomes. San Francisco wins the trade.