Cincinnati sent Lemar Parrish and Coy Bacon to Washington for…
Cincinnati sent Lemar Parrish and Coy Bacon to Washington for a 1979 first-round pick, which became No. 12 overall and running back Charles Alexander. Alexander spent seven seasons with the Bengals and accumulated more than 2,600 rushing yards, giving Cincinnati meaningful value. The return still fell short of the immediate two-veteran impact Washington received.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 1979 first round pick (#12-Charles Alexander)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Lemar Parrish
- player Coy Bacon (Lander McCoy Bacon)
Trade Analysis
Washington chose proven defense over future draft capital in June 1978, sending Cincinnati its first-round pick in the 1979 draft for cornerback Lemar Parrish and defensive end Coy Bacon. The pick landed at No. 12 overall, where the Bengals selected LSU running back Charles Alexander.
Both veterans gave Washington immediate value. Parrish produced one of the best seasons of his career in 1979, intercepting nine passes and earning both Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro recognition. Bacon continued to provide a disruptive pass rush and remained productive through his Washington tenure. Acquiring two established defensive starters with high-end recent performance made the single first-round price unusually efficient.
Cincinnati did not waste the pick. Alexander played seven NFL seasons with the Bengals and rushed for more than 2,600 yards. He was a legitimate contributor, so the old failing grade understates what Cincinnati received. The Bengals successfully turned two veteran assets into a younger offensive player with multiple seasons of service.
The difference is the quality and immediacy of Washington’s return. Parrish alone reached an All-Pro level after the trade, and Bacon added another proven front-seven presence. Cincinnati received one solid player, but Washington received two established defenders whose combined impact was greater. An A- for Washington captures that strong conversion. Cincinnati’s C+ acknowledges Alexander’s real production while recognizing that the Bengals surrendered more high-level veteran value than the pick ultimately replaced. Cincinnati’s choice produced enough career value to make the transaction respectable, but it never matched the combined defensive influence Washington obtained from two proven players.