The Raiders acquired veteran tackle Shelby Jordan from New…
The Raiders acquired veteran tackle Shelby Jordan from New England in September 1983 for a 1985 fourth-round pick. Jordan played 56 games for the Raiders, contributed to the Super Bowl XVIII championship team and remained through 1986. New England eventually used No. 108 on receiver Gerard Phelan, who did not establish an NFL career. The Raiders received several seasons of useful line depth for the pick.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player Shelby Jordan
New England Patriots Received
- pick 1985 fourth round pick (#108-Gerard Phelan / Gerald Phelan)
Trade Analysis
Why the Raiders Added Jordan
Los Angeles acquired veteran tackle Shelby Jordan just before the 1983 season, sending New England a future fourth-round selection. Jordan had already spent years with the Patriots and gave the defending playoff contender an experienced offensive lineman who could provide depth and spot starts immediately.
What the Raiders Received
Jordan remained with the Raiders from 1983 through 1986. The club's own historical roster credits him with 56 games and five starts during that span, and he was a member of the Super Bowl XVIII championship team. He was not a full-time star, but four seasons of dependable veteran availability made the acquisition useful.
How New England Used the Pick
The Patriots eventually received the Raiders' 1985 fourth-round choice, No. 108, as the final compensation for Jordan. They selected Boston College receiver Gerard Phelan. Phelan did not establish a meaningful NFL career, so the future pick failed to generate on-field value comparable with the player New England had traded away.
Why the Raiders Win
Fourth-round choices carry real upside, but outcomes matter in a retrospective grade. Los Angeles received four seasons from Jordan and a contributor on a championship roster. New England's selected player did not become an NFL regular. The Raiders therefore turned a future mid-round choice into far more realized football value.
Final Verdict
The Raiders earn a B and New England a D. Jordan's role was mostly depth, which keeps Los Angeles below the highest grades, but 56 games and championship-season service clearly outweigh the Patriots' lack of return from Phelan.