Baltimore agreed in August 1975 to send tackle Dennis Nelson…
Baltimore agreed in August 1975 to send tackle Dennis Nelson to Washington for a multi-pick package, but Nelson never reported to the Redskins. Contemporary Philadelphia material and later transaction records show that the deal was negated, Nelson's rights returned to the Colts, and he sat out the 1975 season. The listed draft choices therefore were not completed trade proceeds.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- other No asset transferred — Washington deal negated after Dennis Nelson did not report
Washington Commanders Received
- other No asset transferred — Dennis Nelson did not report and his rights returned to Baltimore
Trade Analysis
The Announced Package
Baltimore's transaction history records an August 1975 agreement sending tackle Dennis Nelson to Washington for a group of future draft choices. The proposed return included selections in the 1976, 1977 and 1978 drafts. On the surface, that package would have been a substantial haul for a veteran offensive lineman, which is why the old row produced a strong Colts grade.
Why the Deal Did Not Close
The transaction was never completed. Pro Football Archives records Nelson as traded to Washington and then lists the trade as voided because he did not report. Philadelphia's 1976 media guide, written after the fact when Nelson joined the Eagles, says the same thing: Nelson chose not to report to Washington, the trade was negated, and he sat out the 1975 season.
What Happened Instead
Because the deal was cancelled, Washington did not receive Nelson and Baltimore did not keep the advertised draft-choice package as compensation for him. Nelson's rights remained with the Colts during his year away from football. In April 1976, Baltimore made a separate transaction, sending Nelson to Philadelphia for quarterback Bill Troup. That later move reinforces that Baltimore still controlled Nelson's contract rights after the Washington deal failed.
Final Verdict
The historical record should treat this as a voided transaction, not a completed Colts victory built on five acquired picks. C grades and an Even Trade label are intentionally neutral because no exchange ultimately took effect. The meaningful correction is factual: the announced Washington package was cancelled when Nelson did not report, so neither side realized the assets previously credited to it.