Atlanta Falcons–Washington Commanders Trade History

Washington traded tackle George Patton to Atlanta on January 31, 1968 for the Falcons' fifth-round pick at No. 113 overall, which Washington used on Virginia Tech tight end Ken Barefoot.

Atlanta Falcons received George Patton from Washington Commanders. Patton supplied Atlanta with one NFL season of service, giving the Falcons a modest but tangible return from the exchange. The C+ grade reflects the direct value Atlanta Falcons realized from the transaction, with the final Atlanta Falcons Win call based on actual service and clearly traceable draft outcomes rather than projected value.

On 1969-08-19, Atlanta Falcons received 1970 sixth-round draft pick, while Washington Commanders received Bob Long (Andrew). The hindsight verdict is Washington Redskins Win, with Atlanta Falcons graded C+ and Washington Commanders graded B-. The evaluation credits only the consideration that can be traced confidently and keeps uncertain pick details out of the final judgment.

Atlanta Falcons received Willie Germany. Willie Germany appeared in 12 games for Atlanta in 1972 and intercepted two passes, giving the Falcons useful immediate production from the defensive back. That outcome supports a B- grade because the return is measured by the direct football value Atlanta Falcons actually received after the deal, compared with the asset sent the other way.

Washington acquired the rights to defensive tackle Glenn Hyde from Atlanta in March 1975 for two draft choices. Atlanta historical material confirms the two-pick price, with later ledgers identifying a 1978 eighth-round selection and tentatively linking the other to a 1976 eighth. Hyde did not become a regular-season contributor for Washington, so the Falcons win C+ to D+ by extracting draft value from an asset that did not pay off.

Washington Redskins/Commanders received Ted Fritsch Jr., while Atlanta Falcons received 1977 sixth- and ninth-round picks that became Keith Jenkins and Robert Speer. Fritsch played all 60 Washington regular-season games from 1976-79 as a reserve center and long snapper, providing sustained specialist value. The hindsight grades are B+ for Washington Redskins/Commanders and C for Atlanta Falcons, producing a Washington Commanders Win verdict.

On 1978-08-22, Atlanta Falcons received 1980 sixth round pick, while Washington Commanders received Greg McCrary. The hindsight verdict is Atlanta Falcons Win, with Atlanta Falcons graded B and Washington Commanders graded D-. The evaluation follows the documented consideration and traceable football value, while leaving unresolved downstream pick identities out of the judgment.

Atlanta acquired Joe Washington plus the selections that became Scott Bergold and first-round defensive end Tim Green, while sending Washington the picks that produced Tory Nixon, Markus Koch and Kent Hagood. Joe Washington contributed for one Falcons season, but Green became the most durable Atlanta piece. The combined return gives the Falcons a modest but meaningful edge.

Atlanta Falcons received Charlie Brown (d), while Washington Commanders received R.C. Thielemann. Washington and contemporary wire reports directly document the August 26, 1985 Charlie Brown-for-R.C. That return earns a B grade for Atlanta Falcons, and the overall verdict is Even Trade. The grade stays proportional to the direct value each club realized from this exchange.

Washington moved up from No. 128 to No. 113 in the 1986 draft and added No. 159 to complete the trade with Atlanta. The move produced linebacker Ravin Caldwell, who spent six seasons with Washington and appeared in 79 games, including on the 1987 and 1991 championship teams. Atlanta's two selections, Dan McMillen and Keith Williams, did not provide comparable staying power. Washington paid extra volume but found the useful long-term player.

Washington acquired veteran running back Gerald Riggs and a 1990 fifth-round pick from Atlanta for a 1989 second-rounder and a 1990 first-rounder. The price was substantial, but Riggs became a short-yardage and goal-line weapon on Washington's 1991 championship team, scoring 11 regular-season rushing touchdowns and six more during the postseason run.

Atlanta traded the 140th pick in the 1997 draft to Washington and received picks 180 and 222. Washington selected defensive back Keith Thibodeaux, while Atlanta chose guard Calvin Collins and defensive back Chris Bayne. Collins alone played 68 NFL games and developed into a multi-year starter, with Bayne adding further depth. That two-player return gives the Falcons a clear hindsight advantage over Washington's single selection.

Atlanta turned surplus running back T.J. Duckett into wide receiver Ashley Lelie in a three-team deal with Washington and Denver. Lelie gave the Falcons a full season of receiver depth, while Duckett was used sparingly in Washington and left after one year. Because Washington also sent Denver meaningful draft capital to complete the transaction, Atlanta extracted the stronger value from its outgoing asset.

Atlanta moved from No. 34 to No. 21 in the 2008 draft and received picks 84 and 154, turning the package into Sam Baker, Harry Douglas and Kroy Biermann. Washington received picks 34, 48 and 103, highlighted by tight end Fred Davis but undermined by the miss on Devin Thomas. Atlanta landed three meaningful contributors and clearly extracted more long-term value.