Washington acquired the 1984 fourth-round pick at No. 102…
Washington acquired the 1984 fourth-round pick at No. 102 from Houston and used it on running back Jimmy Smith, sending the Oilers a 1985 third-round choice that became No. 80. Smith appeared in only one game for Washington and produced two kickoff returns before being released. Houston secured the stronger draft asset, giving the Oilers the clear edge.
Tennessee Titans Received
- pick 1985 third round pick (#80-Stefon Adams)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1984 fourth round pick (#102-Jimmy Smith (Kevin))
Trade Analysis
The Documented Exchange
Washington acquired Houston’s 1984 fourth-round selection at No. 102 in exchange for its 1985 third-round choice, which became No. 80. The fourth-round pick had originally reached Houston through the Eric Dickerson draft-day transaction, then moved to Washington in this separate exchange. Washington used No. 102 on running back Jimmy Smith. The future third later remained part of Houston’s asset pool before being moved in another transaction, so this verdict focuses on the direct value each side received.
What Washington Received
Smith did not turn the acquired fourth-rounder into meaningful Washington production. He appeared in one regular-season game for the team in 1984 and returned two kickoffs for 38 yards. He was later released and joined the Los Angeles Raiders. Across his entire NFL career, Smith played nine games and recorded only seven rushing attempts for 13 yards, with those carries coming years later in Minnesota. Washington therefore spent a future third-round selection for a current fourth that generated almost no on-field return.
What Houston Received
The Oilers moved a current fourth-round choice and obtained a future third, improving the round value of the asset despite waiting one season. That 1985 pick became No. 80 overall. Houston later used No. 80 as part of another deal, but it is unnecessary to assign every downstream result to this transaction. The direct exchange itself upgraded Houston from a fourth-round asset to a third-round asset while the player Washington selected failed to stick.
Final Verdict
Houston wins on both process and realized comparison. The Oilers accepted a one-year delay and improved the draft round of the asset they controlled. Washington accelerated the pick into 1984 but selected a player who appeared in only one game for the team. Houston earns a B for the draft-capital upgrade, while Washington receives a D+ because the higher future price produced almost no team-specific football value.