Philadelphia sent franchise great Wilbert Montgomery to…
Philadelphia sent franchise great Wilbert Montgomery to Detroit for linebacker Garry Cobb in August 1985. Cobb became the more durable post-trade piece, providing multiple seasons of defensive work for the Eagles. Montgomery contributed seven games, six starts and 251 rushing yards for Detroit in 1985, but his late-career Lions stint was brief. The exchange therefore favored Philadelphia, which moved an aging back and received the younger, longer-lasting contributor.
Detroit Lions Received
- player Wilbert Montgomery
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Garry Cobb
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On August 21, 1985, Philadelphia traded running back Wilbert Montgomery to Detroit for linebacker Garry Cobb. Contemporary reporting identifies Cobb with the Garry spelling, so the slash-delimited “Garry Cobb / Gary Cobb” asset should be normalized. The trade exchanged a celebrated but aging Eagles running back with recurring knee concerns for a younger linebacker who was able to contribute immediately in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Cobb became the better post-trade asset. He stepped into Philadelphia’s defense and gave the Eagles multiple seasons of productive linebacker play. The transaction also allowed Philadelphia to move on from a franchise rushing icon whose best years were behind him and whose availability had become uncertain. Getting a younger defensive contributor in a straight player swap represented strong value even without draft compensation.
Detroit Lions Return
Montgomery still offered name value and veteran experience, but his Detroit stint was short. In 1985 he appeared in seven games, started six, rushed 75 times for 251 yards and added seven receptions for 55 yards. Those numbers show he did contribute rather than immediately disappearing, but the knee issues and late-career timing limited his upside. He did not provide the multi-season return Detroit would have needed to balance Cobb’s Philadelphia tenure.
Value in Hindsight
The trade illustrates the value of moving a veteran one step before the decline becomes complete. Detroit received a recognizable back and some 1985 production, so the Lions should not be treated as receiving nothing. Philadelphia, however, obtained the younger player and the longer useful window. Cobb’s continued defensive contribution gives the Eagles a clear advantage over Montgomery’s brief Detroit chapter.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia wins. The Eagles earn a B+ for converting an aging, injury-affected veteran into a younger multi-season defensive contributor. Detroit receives a C- because Montgomery did supply several starts and some rushing production, but his short tenure fell well below the value Cobb gave Philadelphia.