Dallas acquired Mike Ditka from Philadelphia on January 27,…
Dallas acquired Mike Ditka from Philadelphia on January 27, 1969, sending second-year receiver Dave McDaniels in a straight player-for-player swap. Ditka spent four seasons with the Cowboys, became part of their first Super Bowl champion, and caught the final Dallas touchdown in Super Bowl VI. McDaniels was moved again by Philadelphia later in 1969, giving Dallas the stronger long-term return.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Mike Ditka
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Dave McDaniels
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Mike Ditka had been one of the NFL's premier tight ends in Chicago, but injuries and a reduced role made his 1967 and 1968 seasons in Philadelphia far less productive. Dallas saw a veteran who still fit Tom Landry's offense and could add blocking, toughness, and receiving depth. On January 27, 1969, the day before the NFL draft began, the Cowboys sent young receiver Dave McDaniels to the Eagles for Ditka. A contemporary Associated Press report published January 28 described the exchange as having happened the previous day, while Dallas' own 1969 media guide confirms the straight Ditka-for-McDaniels swap.
What Dallas Received
Ditka's Dallas years were not a return to his early Chicago receiving totals, but they became a meaningful second act. He played four seasons for the Cowboys and became part of a team that reached two Super Bowls. His most memorable Dallas contribution came in Super Bowl VI, when he caught the Cowboys' final touchdown in the 24-3 victory over Miami. The Pro Football Hall of Fame credits his Dallas stint with restoring his effectiveness after the difficult Philadelphia period. For the cost of a young receiver, Dallas obtained a useful veteran who contributed to the franchise's first championship.
What Philadelphia Received
McDaniels had been Dallas' second-round pick in 1968. Philadelphia acquired him as the direct return for Ditka, but he did not become a lasting Eagles contributor. Historical draft-transaction records show the Eagles moved McDaniels to the Los Angeles Rams in August 1969 for a future seventh-round selection. That downstream return kept the transaction from being empty value, yet it did not approach the championship contribution Dallas received from Ditka.
Final Verdict
Dallas Cowboys Win. Dallas keeps its B+ and Philadelphia its C. The deal was not a franchise-altering blockbuster, and Ditka's statistical peak remained behind him, so an elite grade would overstate the return. Still, Dallas bought useful veteran seasons and a tangible Super Bowl contribution for a player Philadelphia moved again within months. The combination of longevity, role value, and championship impact gives the Cowboys the clear edge.