Dallas Cowboys received Billy Parks and (James) Mike…
Dallas Cowboys received Billy Parks and (James) Mike Montgomery. Dallas received Billy Parks and Mike Montgomery. Parks became a useful player and also figured into a later asset chain, while Montgomery added another roster piece. The Cowboys therefore received two tangible assets for a player who never appeared in a regular-season game for San Diego, creating a clear Dallas advantage. That stronger outcome supports a B+ grade for Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Billy Parks
- player (James) Mike Montgomery
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Duane Thomas
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1972-07-31, Dallas Cowboys received Billy Parks and (James) Mike Montgomery, while Los Angeles Chargers received Duane Thomas. Historical team, transaction, draft, and player records support the package. The comparison credits each club for direct production and draft value it actually controlled after the exchange.
Dallas Cowboys Return
Dallas Cowboys received Billy Parks and (James) Mike Montgomery. Dallas received Billy Parks and Mike Montgomery. Parks became a useful player and also figured into a later asset chain, while Montgomery added another roster piece. The Cowboys therefore received two tangible assets for a player who never appeared in a regular-season game for San Diego, creating a clear Dallas advantage. That outcome supports a B+ grade. Later draft movement is treated as asset history, not as automatic credit for a player selected by another franchise.
Los Angeles Chargers Return
Los Angeles Chargers received Duane Thomas. The Chargers received Duane Thomas, but he never played a regular-season game for San Diego and was moved again. That left the club without the direct on-field payoff expected from acquiring a prominent running back. Giving up two players for no regular-season production makes this the weaker side by a wide margin. That outcome supports a D grade. The same standard applies to direct playing time, retained draft capital, and any clearly documented later transfer of the acquired asset.
Value in Hindsight
Chargers historical materials confirm San Diego acquired Duane Thomas from Dallas for Billy Parks and Mike Montgomery. Thomas never played a regular-season game for the Chargers and was moved again, while Dallas received two players and Parks also became useful in a later asset chain. The strongest hindsight evidence is the NFL contribution and asset control created by the exchange itself. That keeps the comparison proportional and avoids assigning another club's later player production to the original holder of a moved pick.
Final Verdict
The final call is Dallas Cowboys Win. Dallas Cowboys earns B+, and Los Angeles Chargers earns D. Those grades match the supported package and the relative football value each side realized without overstating the importance of a terminal draft selection.