Dallas Cowboys received Tommy McDonald from Philadelphia…
Dallas Cowboys received Tommy McDonald from Philadelphia Eagles, sending Lynn Hoyem, John Meyers, and Sam Baker (H.) the other way. Although Eagles retrospectives emphasize the discomfort of moving a Hall of Fame receiver, the direct team-level returns favor Philadelphia modestly rather than supporting the current extreme grade gap. That outcome supports a C grade for Dallas Cowboys, and the overall verdict is Philadelphia Eagles Win.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Tommy McDonald
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Lynn Hoyem
- player John Meyers
- player Sam Baker (H.)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1964-03-20, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles completed a deal in which Dallas Cowboys received Tommy McDonald, while Philadelphia Eagles received Lynn Hoyem, John Meyers, and Sam Baker (H.). The comparison centers on what each original club actually obtained from the exchange. Later moves matter only when they identify the value attached to an asset that changed hands.
Dallas Cowboys Return
Dallas Cowboys received Tommy McDonald from Philadelphia Eagles, sending Lynn Hoyem, John Meyers, and Sam Baker (H.) the other way. Although Eagles retrospectives emphasize the discomfort of moving a Hall of Fame receiver, the direct team-level returns favor Philadelphia modestly rather than supporting the current extreme grade gap. That outcome supports a C grade for Dallas Cowboys, and the overall verdict is Philadelphia Eagles Win.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Philadelphia Eagles received Lynn Hoyem, John Meyers, and Sam Baker (H.) from Dallas Cowboys, sending Tommy McDonald the other way. Although Eagles retrospectives emphasize the discomfort of moving a Hall of Fame receiver, the direct team-level returns favor Philadelphia modestly rather than supporting the current extreme grade gap. That outcome supports a B- grade for Philadelphia Eagles, and the overall verdict is Philadelphia Eagles Win.
Value in Hindsight
Philadelphia's own historical account confirms Tommy McDonald went to Dallas for Lynn Hoyem, John Meyers, and Sam Baker. McDonald lasted only one season in Dallas before another trade, while Baker in particular supplied Philadelphia with meaningful multi-year service. Although Eagles retrospectives emphasize the discomfort of moving a Hall of Fame receiver, the direct team-level returns favor Philadelphia modestly rather than supporting the current extreme grade gap. If a draft choice was moved again, the later trail can explain what the original consideration became, but unrelated success after another transaction is not credited twice. Where one historical detail remains uncertain, the evaluation uses the strongest supported description instead of filling the gap with speculation.
Final Verdict
The final call is Philadelphia Eagles Win. Dallas Cowboys receives C, while Philadelphia Eagles receives B-. Philadelphia Eagles gets the edge because its direct return produced the stronger supported value for the original club. The grades remain proportional to the size and certainty of the exchange, rewarding real value while keeping a measured distinction between a clear edge and an overwhelming win.