Revisiting the Colts-Falcons Trade for Jeff George

The Indianapolis Colts were about done with former No. 1 overall pick Jeff George as their starting quarterback, but George's rare arm strength was enough to entice one more sucker to give up a king's ransom in exchange for him.

In 1994, new Falcons coach June Jones was in need of a quarterback after parting ways with Bobby Hebert, and he traded two first-round picks -- one for 1994 and one in '96 -- to the Colts in exchange for the former Illinois star.

Indianapolis traded the 1994 first-rounder to the San Francisco 49ers, who selectd future franchise sack leader and Notre Dame star Bryant Young. You think a guy who ended up with 89.5 sacks could have helped out that Colts defense?

The 1996 first-rounder was used on future Hall of Fame Syracuse wideout Marvin Harrison, on one of the greatest receivers in football history no matter how you slice it. Possessing legendarily sticky hands and tremendous route-running ability, Harrison and Peyton Manning quickly became arguably the most iconic quarterback-wide receiver tandem of the past few decades.

George, who threw for 27,000 yards and 154 touchdowns in his career, started for two years in Atlanta, but never posted a passer rating higher than 89.5. He later bounced around as a backup and spot starter with the Raiders, Vikings, and Redskins, even leading the league in passing as a Raider. Still, his career pales in comparison to both that of Young and Harrison.

Who Won the Trade?

Indianapolis clearly came out on top in this deal by a wide, wide margin. Atlanta not only gave up their chance to select a potential Hall of Famer in Young, but watched one of the best receivers in history in Marvin Harrison go off for the Colts in exchange for a minimal return.

And fans wonder why the team has yet to win a Super Bowl.