This entry records the draft compensation tied to Verlon…
This entry records the draft compensation tied to Verlon Biggs signing with Washington in 1971. Washington sent its 1972 first-round pick and 1973 second-round pick to New York while receiving the Jets' 1972 seventh-rounder. Biggs then started 55 games for Washington and helped reach Super Bowl VII, while first-rounder Mike Taylor played only 22 NFL games.
New York Jets Received
- pick 1972 first round pick (#20-Mike Taylor (b. 1949-09-21))
- pick 1973 second round pick (#51) [later traded with 1973 third round pick (#66-Pete Van Valkenburg) to New Orleans Saints for Richard Neal, Delles Howell and Richard Neal / Rich Neal]
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1972 seventh round pick (#169-John Sykes)
Trade Analysis
Why the Compensation Happened
Verlon Biggs signed with Washington as a free agent in June 1971, and the clubs' draft compensation was substantial. Transaction histories show New York receiving Washington's 1972 first-round pick, No. 20, and its 1973 second-round pick, No. 51. Washington received the Jets' 1972 seventh-round pick, No. 169. Biggs himself was a free-agent signing rather than a player traded by New York, but his Washington performance is central to the value of the compensation.
What Washington Gained
Biggs became an immediate starter on George Allen's veteran defense. Pro Football Reference credits him with 55 starts across four Washington seasons and 32 sacks in that span, including 15 in 1973. He started throughout the 1972 season when Washington won the NFC and reached Super Bowl VII, then remained a full-time starter through 1974. That is a significant on-field return for the aggressive price Washington paid to sign him.
What New York Gained
The Jets received excellent draft positioning on paper. They used No. 20 in 1972 on linebacker Mike Taylor, but the selection did not become a long-term starter; the Jets' own history notes that Taylor lasted only 22 NFL games. The 1973 second-rounder, No. 51, was later packaged with a third-round choice to New Orleans for Rich Neal and Delles Howell. Those assets produced some value, but not enough to match Biggs' sustained Washington impact.
How the Value Aged
This was costly compensation, and New York deserves credit for extracting a first- and second-rounder after losing a veteran defender. Hindsight changes the balance because the premium selections did not become comparable long-term pieces. Washington paid heavily, yet Biggs became a four-year starter on playoff teams and a conference champion. The Jets' main first-round return failed to establish similar staying power.
Final Verdict
Washington earns a B+ and New York a C+. The Jets received valuable draft capital, but the realized return did not match the four productive seasons Washington obtained from Biggs. Washington Commanders Win best reflects how the compensation aged.