Washington traded linebacker Joe Harris to San Francisco on…

The Exchange

Washington and San Francisco completed a straightforward player-for-pick trade on May 3, 1978. The 49ers received linebacker Joe Harris, while Washington received an eighth-round selection and used it on North Carolina receiver Walker Lee at No. 202. Contemporary Washington coverage specifically connects Lee to the Harris deal, separating this transaction from the earlier Larry Jones trade that produced Tony Green. Washington Commanders Return Washington chose to turn Harris into draft capital and selected Lee. The approach fit a roster trying to reshape itself under new leadership, but the result was disappointing. Lee did not survive the summer roster competition and was waived before the regular season. That meant the eighth-round return failed to produce regular-season service, limiting Washington's realized value almost immediately. San Francisco 49ers Return San Francisco received Harris, an experienced linebacker who offered a known professional option rather than a late-round prospect. The 49ers did not acquire a star, and Harris did not transform the franchise, but the cost was only an eighth-round selection. Compared with Washington's pick producing no regular-season role, the veteran side of the trade delivered the more tangible football value. Value in Hindsight Tony Green does not belong in this transaction, leaving the supported package narrower. Green came from the April 14 Larry Jones exchange, not the May 3 Harris deal. Once the packages are separated, the comparison becomes simple: Harris versus the pick used on Walker Lee. With Lee waived in camp, Washington's return disappeared quickly, while San Francisco at least acquired an established player. Final Verdict San Francisco earns a C and Washington a D+. The 49ers did not uncover exceptional value, so this is only a modest win. Washington's eighth-round choice failed to produce a roster contributor, and that weak realized return leaves the Harris acquisition as the better side of the trade.