Baltimore sent Cotton Speyrer and Glenn Ressler to Washington…
Baltimore sent Cotton Speyrer and Glenn Ressler to Washington for a 1975 twelfth-round choice used on Brad Storm and a 1976 sixteenth-round choice used on Mike Fuhrman. Neither side turned the exchange into lasting direct value: Ressler’s NFL career had already ended, Speyrer did not become a Washington regular, and neither Colts pick produced an NFL career.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1975 twelfth round pick (#288-Brad Sterm / Brad Storm)
- pick 1976 16th round pick (#449-Mike Fuhrman)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Cotton Speyrer
- player Glenn Ressler
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Baltimore moved Cotton Speyrer and Glenn Ressler to Washington on January 29, 1975, for two late draft choices: a 1975 twelfth-round selection used on Brad Storm and a 1976 sixteenth-round selection used on Mike Fuhrman. Colts historical material supports the package, and draft records confirm Storm at No. 288 and Fuhrman at No. 449.
What Washington Received
On paper, Washington acquired two recognizable veterans. In practice, the timing sharply limited the return. Ressler’s final NFL season had already been 1974, so the former Colts lineman did not provide Washington with a new stretch of regular-season production. Speyrer also failed to become a lasting Washington piece. His 1975 path eventually took him to Miami, where he appeared in four regular-season games.
What Baltimore Received
The Colts exchanged two veterans for very late draft capital, a sensible roster-management concept if either choice became useful depth. Storm, the 1975 twelfth-round linebacker, did not establish an NFL regular-season career. Fuhrman was drafted in the sixteenth round in 1976, signed with Baltimore, and was released without appearing in an NFL regular-season game. The picks therefore created little realized value.
Why Neither Side Separated
Washington paid almost nothing in premium capital, but also received almost nothing that lasted. Baltimore cleared two veterans and gained two selections, yet neither draftee produced for the Colts. The low acquisition cost on both sides prevents a harsh grade, but there is no meaningful football result that justifies naming a winner.
Final Verdict
Both teams receive D+ grades. Washington did not receive sustained production from Speyrer or Ressler, and Baltimore’s two late selections did not become NFL contributors. The transaction was inexpensive but largely fruitless, making an even trade the most supportable outcome.