Washington acquired the NFL rights to Joe Theismann. Miami…
Washington acquired the NFL rights to Joe Theismann. Miami received Washington's 1976 first-round selection and used No. 17 on linebacker Larry Gordon, who became a productive long-term Dolphin. Theismann eventually became Washington's franchise quarterback and led the club to a Super Bowl championship. Miami received genuine first-round value and drafted a good starter, so this was not a bad deal for the Dolphins. Theismann's quarterback value, longevity and championship impact nevertheless made Washington's side more consequential.
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 1976 first round pick (#17-Larry Gordon)
Washington Commanders Received
- other rights to Joe Theismann
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Washington acquired Joe Theismann's NFL rights; Miami received Washington's 1976 first-round pick, later used on Larry Gordon. The transaction reflected a familiar veteran-for-value calculation: one club wanted immediate roster help, while the other was willing to exchange present certainty for draft capital or a different player. In hindsight, the useful question is what each side actually converted those assets into.
What Miami Dolphins Received
Washington acquired the NFL rights to Joe Theismann. Miami received Washington's 1976 first-round selection and used No. 17 on linebacker Larry Gordon, who became a productive long-term Dolphin. Theismann eventually became Washington's franchise quarterback and led the club to a Super Bowl championship. For Miami Dolphins, the return is judged by the NFL contribution that followed, not simply by the round number or the reputation of the outgoing player. That realized value supports a A- grade for Miami Dolphins.
What Washington Commanders Received
The Washington Commanders side of the exchange addressed a different roster need. Miami received genuine first-round value and drafted a good starter, so this was not a bad deal for the Dolphins. Theismann's quarterback value, longevity and championship impact nevertheless made Washington's side more consequential. The value was real enough to deserve credit where appropriate, but the long-term comparison supports a A+ grade for Washington Commanders.
Why the Verdict Lands Here
The deciding factor is the difference between immediate usefulness and durable value. The documented package produced enough evidence to separate the two sides without overstating what a late pick or short veteran stint meant. Miami received genuine first-round value and drafted a good starter, so this was not a bad deal for the Dolphins. Theismann's quarterback value, longevity and championship impact nevertheless made Washington's side more consequential. That is why the result is Washington Commanders Win.
Final Verdict
Washington Commanders Win. Miami Dolphins receives a A-, while Washington Commanders receives a A+. The grades reflect the confirmed exchange, the downstream players attached to the picks, and the actual football contribution that followed rather than the value those assets might have carried in theory.