Washington acquired veteran defensive end Fred Cook from…
Washington acquired veteran defensive end Fred Cook from Baltimore in July 1981 under conditional draft terms reported as a 1982 ninth-round pick and a possible 1983 sixth-rounder. Cook was released in August before making the regular-season roster, and Washington reclaimed the ninth-round choice; the playing-time condition for the later pick was not met. With no games for Washington and no realized draft return for Baltimore, the direct outcome is even.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1982 ninth round pick (conditional; returned to Washington when Fred Cook was waived)
- pick 1983 sixth round pick (conditional on playing time; condition not met)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Fred Cook
Trade Analysis
The Conditional Terms
Washington acquired Fred Cook from the Baltimore Colts in July 1981. Contemporary reporting described the price as a 1982 ninth-round pick plus a 1983 sixth-round choice that depended on how much Cook played. The Colts’ later historical transaction history also records Cook going to Washington for a ninth-round choice, marked as conditional. Those details make clear that the draft compensation was not guaranteed at the moment of the trade.
What Happened in Washington
Cook did not make the regular-season roster. Washington released him on August 24 after training camp and preseason evaluation. The Washington Post reported at the time that the club reclaimed the 1982 ninth-round pick it had given Baltimore because the pick was conditioned on Cook making the team. Pro Football Archives likewise shows the trade followed by an August release and no Washington regular-season appearances.
What Baltimore Received
Because Cook did not make Washington’s roster, the ninth-round selection reverted. The separately reported 1983 sixth-round choice depended on Cook’s playing time, and he logged no regular-season time for Washington, so that condition was not satisfied either. Baltimore therefore did not realize the draft return suggested by the initial terms.
Final Verdict
This became a football-value null transaction. Washington spent camp time on Cook but did not lose the conditional picks, while Baltimore moved an unhappy veteran but received no completed draft compensation. Both sides receive C- grades and an Even Trade verdict. Washington protected itself with the conditions, while Baltimore at least cleared a roster dispute, but neither outcome produced lasting football value from the exchange itself.