Green Bay sent defensive tackle Mike McCoy to Oakland for…
Green Bay sent defensive tackle Mike McCoy to Oakland for Herb McMath, a 1978 first-round pick and a 1979 fourth-round pick. The first-rounder became linebacker John Anderson, a decade-long Packers cornerstone, while the later fourth-rounder was eventually moved to Washington in the deal that brought tackle Tim Stokes to Green Bay.
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Herb McMath
- pick 1978 first round pick (#26-(R.) John Anderson)
- pick 1979 fourth round pick (#103) [later traded to Washington for Tim Stokes ]
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player Mike McCoy (Patrick)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Green Bay traded defensive tackle Mike McCoy to Oakland on September 12, 1977. In return the Packers received defensive lineman Herb McMath, a 1978 first-round choice and a 1979 fourth-round choice. Green Bay used the first-rounder, No. 26 overall, on linebacker John Anderson. The later fourth-rounder was subsequently sent to Washington as part of the transaction that brought tackle Tim Stokes to the Packers.
Why Green Bay Gets the Edge
Anderson makes the deal a major Packers success. He became a long-term starter, played 12 seasons for Green Bay and eventually entered the franchise’s Hall of Fame. A first-round pick becoming a durable defensive centerpiece is already a strong return, and the Packers also gained McMath plus useful value from the later fourth-round asset. The trade gave Green Bay both an immediate player and multiple future paths to improve the roster.
How Oakland’s Return Held Up
McCoy was a veteran with an established NFL résumé, but his Oakland contribution was limited relative to what the Raiders surrendered. The Raiders were a contender and could reasonably prioritize an experienced defensive lineman over future selections, yet the move never produced the kind of short-term championship swing that might justify losing a first-rounder that became Anderson. The contrast grew sharper with every season Anderson remained a Packers starter.
Final Verdict
Green Bay earns an A for converting McCoy into a franchise linebacker, another player and additional draft value. Oakland receives a D because the veteran return was too modest to offset a first-round selection that became a long-term defensive leader. The Packers won decisively on both longevity and total value, while the Raiders never received enough from McCoy to make the premium price worthwhile.
Anderson's decade-long Packers career made Green Bay's return overwhelmingly stronger than McCoy's Oakland tenure overall.