New York Giants–Washington Commanders Trade History

Washington traded veteran offensive lineman Don Boll to the New York Giants for the Giants' 1961 third-round draft choice. Washington used the acquired No. 39 selection on Pittsburgh fullback Jim Cunningham, who played three NFL seasons for the club.

Washington acquired center-linebacker Fred Hageman from the New York Giants on December 31, 1960 for the Redskins' 1961 second-round choice. New York used the acquired selection at No. 17 on Bobby Gaiters. Washington earns the stronger grade because Hageman became a multi-year starter and important two-way roster piece. The Giants received a premium draft choice, so their side retained value, but the realized production favored Washington.

Washington received Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff and rookie lineman George Seals. Huff played 66 regular-season games for Washington across 1964-67 and 1969, intercepted 12 passes, and earned a Pro Bowl selection in his first Washington season. Seals added 12 games in 1964 before continuing his career with Chicago. The package gave Washington immediate star-level defensive value plus one season of depth.

The Giants reacquired veteran guard Darrell Dess and kept him through the end of his playing career. New York received the most stable single asset in the trade: an experienced lineman who returned to a familiar role and remained with the club. That durability gives the Giants the stronger hindsight return.

Jim Prestel moved from the New York Giants to Washington in 1967, with the surviving record supporting a cash transaction even though exact consideration detail is thin. Prestel appeared in eight games for Washington and supplied immediate defensive-line depth. That usable service gives Washington the better hindsight return, but the limited scale and source detail keep the grades restrained.

Washington received Sid Williams; New York received cash. Transaction records confirm Washington acquired linebacker Sid Williams for cash on August 27, 1967. Williams then appeared in 10 games for Washington that season, giving the club actual roster service for a simple cash outlay. The hindsight grades are C+ for New York Giants and B- for Washington Redskins/Commanders, producing a Washington Commanders Win verdict.

New York Giants received Jim Norton, while Washington Commanders received Bruce Anderson. Jim Norton did not match the immediate contribution Anderson supplied in Washington. New York therefore received the less productive side of the exchange. In hindsight, that direct return supports a D+ grade for New York Giants. The grade reflects realized football value from this exchange rather than reputation alone.

Washington acquired veteran receiver Clifton McNeil from the Giants in October 1971 for a package built around 1972 fifth-, sixth- and seventh-round assets. Richmond Flowers was later substituted for the sixth-rounder because Washington did not own that selection. McNeil gave Washington only a short receiving return, while New York collected multiple pieces and useful Flowers snaps, supporting a B to C- Giants win.

The Giants received Washington's 1983 twelfth-round pick and used No. 335 on John Tuggle. Tuggle made the 1983 roster, appeared in all 16 games and started five, giving New York real value from the final pick of that draft. His career was tragically cut short by illness, but the contribution he did make supports a C+ and the Giants win.

New York moved from No. 31 to No. 27 in the 1984 draft by sending Washington the second-rounder plus No. 125. The Giants selected offensive lineman William Roberts, who became a 10-year Giant, made the 1990 Pro Bowl and played on two Super Bowl championship teams. Washington's two acquired choices never generated a comparable centerpiece.