Randy Moss, Jerry Rice and Andre Tippett: 49ers-Patriots trades are rarely insignificant
The web of deals between NFL dynasties past and present has involved a constellation of stars.
At the center of a historic NFL trade deadline was the Patriots’ decision to send Jimmy Garoppolo to the 49ers in exchange for a second round pick. It’s a trade that carries obvious significance even though the full ramifications won’t be known for years.
And the deal has quite a history to live up to. Previous transactions between New England and San Francisco have often carried notable repercussions. Hall of Famers, All-Pros, and Super Bowl winners have all found their stories interwoven with a 49ers-Patriots trade.
Here’s a look at a few of the more momentous deals from over the years, and some of the interesting ripple effects:
April 5, 1976
After taking Stanford’s Heisman Trophy-winning Jim Plunkett first overall in 1971, the Patriots were ready to move on from him five years later. In stepped the 49ers, offering a bevy of draft picks in exchange.
Picking up two first round picks in 1976, and a first and second rounder in 1977, the Patriots built themselves into a contender under Chuck Fairbanks. The 1977 first round pick acquired from San Francisco was used to draft 2017 Patriots Hall of Fame inductee Raymond Clayborn, who is still tied with Ty Law for most career interceptions in team history.
April 27, 1982
Russ Francis, considered one of the best tight ends in the league in 1981, suddenly retired from the Patriots for “personal reasons.” After missing the entire 1981 season, Francis expressed an interest to play again. He wanted to be traded to San Francisco to play for Bill Walsh (who had helped convince him to unretire).
Finally, the Patriots traded Francis and a second round pick in the 1982 draft to the 49ers in exchange for a first round pick, two second round picks, and a fourth round pick. While Francis would go on to help Walsh and the 49ers to their second Super Bowl, the Patriots would use one of the second round picks to draft future Hall of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett.
April 30, 1985
With the defending Super Bowl champion 49ers intent on adding impact instead of depth, the Patriots became an eventual draft day trading partner. Legendary 49ers coach Bill Walsh, infatuated with the idea of drafting a playmaking receiver, traded up to get Jerry Rice. San Francisco moved from the 28th pick to the 16th by sending second and third round selections as well.
Of the players the Patriots selected with the acquired picks, none were able to contribute significantly.
April 16, 2000
In the first draft day trade of his tenure as Patriots coach, Bill Belichick sent the 212th overall pick (in the seventh round) to the 49ers for a 2001 sixth round pick.
The next year, the Patriots packaged the 49ers’ pick in a trade with the Lions, allowing New England to move up two spots to draft future franchise tackle Matt Light.
April 28, 2007
On draft day, the Patriots traded their 2007 first round pick to the 49ers for a 2007 fourth rounder, and a 2008 first rounder. San Francisco drafted offensive lineman Joe Staley (who has made five Pro Bowls in his 11 seasons). The next day, Belichick traded the fourth rounder to the Raiders for none other than Randy Moss.
A year later, the Patriots traded the first round pick from the 49ers to the Saints in part of a package that landed picks used to select linebackers Jerod Mayo and Shawn Crable.
