Washington's signing of Dave Butz triggered a compensation…
Washington's signing of Dave Butz triggered a compensation settlement with St. Louis that sent the Cardinals first-round picks in 1977 and 1978 plus a 1979 second-rounder. Washington retained Butz and received lower selections in return. Butz then played 14 seasons, appeared in 203 games and became a defensive pillar on two Washington Super Bowl championship teams.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 1977 first round pick (#19-Steve Pisarkiewicz)
- pick 1978 first round pick (#19- Ken Greene )
- pick 1979 second round pick (#42-Willie Jones (Lorenzo))
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1976 fifth round pick (#148-Mike Hughes)
- pick 1976 15th round pick (#426-John Monroe)
- pick 1977 sixth round pick (#158-Martin Mitchell) [later traded with Manny Sistrunk , 1978 fifth round pick (#130-Norris Banks) and 1979 fourth round pick (#94-Ben Cowins) to Philadelphia Eagles for Joe Lavender ]
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
This transaction grew out of Washington's signing of Dave Butz as a free agent. The resulting settlement sent St. Louis premium draft compensation, including 1977 and 1978 first-rounders and a 1979 second. Washington received lower selections in return, including a 1977 sixth-rounder that became Martin Mitchell.
Why Dave Butz Is Central to the Verdict
Butz was not transferred by St. Louis inside the pick package, but his signing caused the entire settlement. Ignoring him would strip the transaction of its football purpose. He then played 14 seasons for Washington, appeared in 203 games, started 180 and became a pillar of two Super Bowl championship teams.
What St. Louis Received
The Cardinals were compensated heavily. They used the first-round choices on Steve Pisarkiewicz and Ken Greene and the second-rounder on Willie Jones. That is substantial draft value, and it prevents the settlement from being viewed as a failure for St. Louis even though the selections never equaled Butz's Washington legacy.
Why Washington Accepted the Price
Washington paid for certainty: a proven, high-level defensive lineman entering his prime. The cost was significant, but Butz's durability, longevity and championship contribution delivered the kind of return that teams hope premium draft picks eventually become.
Final Verdict
Washington wins the broader football transaction and earns an A. Butz became a franchise cornerstone for well over a decade and justified the unusual compensation structure. St. Louis receives a B+ for securing multiple premium choices and extracting real value, but the Cardinals did not turn those picks into a return that matched Washington's years of elite service from Butz.
Dave Butz became a 14-season Washington cornerstone and two-time Super Bowl champion, while St. Louis received substantial draft compensation but no individual return that matched Butz's durability, leadership and sustained defensive impact. That longevity gave Washington the stronger realized return.