Atlanta acquired veteran defensive tackle Mike Tilleman from…
Atlanta acquired veteran defensive tackle Mike Tilleman from Houston for the Oilers' own 1973 first-round pick, No. 14, which Houston used on George Amundson. Tilleman became a multi-year Falcons starter and gave Atlanta four seasons of dependable interior defensive play. Amundson produced only 194 career rushing yards and five starts in Houston, so the realized value points strongly to Atlanta rather than the original Oilers-win label.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Mike Tilleman
Tennessee Titans Received
- pick 1973 first round pick (#14-George Amundson)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Atlanta acquired defensive tackle Mike Tilleman from the Houston Oilers in January 1973 for a first-round draft choice. Draft records identify that selection as No. 14 overall, which Houston used on Iowa State running back George Amundson. The deal therefore matched a proven veteran lineman against a premium opportunity near the top half of the first round.
Why Tilleman Worked for Atlanta
Tilleman gave the Falcons the dependable veteran production they were seeking. He remained with Atlanta through 1976 and became a regular starter across multiple seasons, extending a career that ultimately covered 149 NFL games. Interior defensive-line stability is valuable, and Atlanta received several seasons of it rather than a brief rental.
What Houston Got at No. 14
The Oilers had the kind of asset that normally gives a selling team the advantage: a first-round pick. Amundson did not convert that opportunity into comparable production. He played only two seasons in Houston, started five games overall there, and finished his NFL career with 194 rushing yards. The premium slot produced replacement-level results.
Why the Verdict Must Flip
The original Houston-win direction credited the first-round label more than the player outcome. Hindsight grading requires the opposite emphasis. Atlanta received the durable veteran starter; Houston received the high-upside pick but failed to turn it into sustained value.
Final Verdict
Atlanta earns an A- and the win because Tilleman supplied four seasons of useful defensive-line play at a cost that ultimately produced very little for Houston. The Oilers receive a D+ because securing No. 14 overall was strong theoretical value, but Amundson's limited NFL impact left that advantage unrealized. The football results clearly favor the Falcons.