Cleveland sent safety Tony Peters to Washington on August 17,…
Cleveland sent safety Tony Peters to Washington on August 17, 1979 for three draft choices: the 1980 fifth-rounder used on Laval Short, the 1981 fourth-rounder used on Mike Robinson, and Washington's 1981 tenth-rounder, probably Phil Kessel. Peters became a Pro Bowl safety and Super Bowl champion in Washington, while Cleveland's return produced only modest value. Washington earns an A- to Cleveland's C.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 1980 fifth round pick (#136-Laval Short)
- pick 1981 fourth round pick (#92-Mike Robinson (b))
- pick Redskins 1981 tenth round pick (probably #257-Phil Kessel; later packaged with #267-Allan Kennedy to Washington for 1982 eighth round pick #211-Bill Jackson)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Tony Peters (a)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On August 17, 1979, Cleveland traded safety Tony Peters to Washington for a three-pick package. Cleveland received a 1980 fifth-round choice that became Laval Short, a 1981 fourth-round choice that became Mike Robinson, and Washington's 1981 tenth-round choice, probably No. 257 Phil Kessel. That final selection later became part of Cleveland's route back to an eighth-round pick in 1982. The package was substantial in quantity, but Washington was buying an ascending defensive back rather than a disposable veteran.
Cleveland Browns Return
Cleveland received three draft opportunities, which was a reasonable return structure for one defender. Robinson supplied some pass-rush production in a short Browns career, while the other identified selections did not become major long-term pieces. The tenth-round asset retained some transactional value because Cleveland later used it in another exchange, but the chain still did not produce a player comparable to the one the Browns moved. Multiple bites at the draft did not translate into a premium payoff.
Washington Commanders Return
Peters became the transaction's defining asset. He grew into a major contributor in Washington's secondary, earned Pro Bowl recognition for the 1982 season and was part of the club's Super Bowl XVII championship run. That is exactly the kind of outcome that turns a multi-pick acquisition into a success. Washington paid three non-premium selections and received several seasons of starting-caliber defensive value at a championship level.
Value in Hindsight
Cleveland did not give Peters away; three picks gave the Browns legitimate optionality. But hindsight has to compare what the clubs actually realized. Washington received the best player in the transaction by a wide margin and captured his peak. Cleveland's draft returns were useful at the margins rather than franchise-shaping.
Final Verdict
Washington Commanders Win is the clear call. Washington receives an A- for acquiring and developing Peters into a Pro Bowl championship contributor. Cleveland receives a C because the pick volume was defensible and produced some utility, but it never matched the value surrendered.