Pittsburgh Steelers received 1985 fifth round pick (#136-Cam…
Pittsburgh Steelers received 1985 fifth round pick (#136-Cam Jacobs), while Washington Commanders received Rick Donnalley. Washington acquired offensive lineman Rick Donnalley, who played 28 games with 20 starts for Washington in 1984 and 1985. Pittsburgh received the 1985 fifth-round pick used on linebacker Cam Jacobs, but Jacobs did not provide regular-season service to the Steelers. That outcome supports a C grade for Pittsburgh Steelers, a B for Washington Commanders, and a Washington Commanders Win verdict.
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 1985 fifth round pick (#136-Cam Jacobs)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Rick Donnalley
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Pittsburgh Steelers received 1985 fifth round pick (#136-Cam Jacobs), and Washington Commanders received Rick Donnalley. Washington acquired offensive lineman Rick Donnalley, who played 28 games with 20 starts for Washington in 1984 and 1985. Pittsburgh received the 1985 fifth-round pick used on linebacker Cam Jacobs, but Jacobs did not provide regular-season service to the Steelers. Because this was a minor transaction, the grades should reflect realized roster or draft value without overstating the stakes.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Pittsburgh Steelers received 1985 fifth round pick (#136-Cam Jacobs), while Washington Commanders received Rick Donnalley. Washington acquired offensive lineman Rick Donnalley, who played 28 games with 20 starts for Washington in 1984 and 1985. Pittsburgh received the 1985 fifth-round pick used on linebacker Cam Jacobs, but Jacobs did not provide regular-season service to the Steelers. That outcome supports a C grade for Pittsburgh Steelers, a B for Washington Commanders, and a Washington Commanders Win verdict.
Washington Return
Washington Commanders received Rick Donnalley and sent 1985 fifth round pick (#136-Cam Jacobs) to Pittsburgh Steelers. Washington acquired offensive lineman Rick Donnalley, who played 28 games with 20 starts for Washington in 1984 and 1985. Pittsburgh received the 1985 fifth-round pick used on linebacker Cam Jacobs, but Jacobs did not provide regular-season service to the Steelers. On balance, Washington Commanders earns a B, Pittsburgh Steelers earns a C, and the hindsight verdict is Washington Commanders Win.
Value in Hindsight
The difference between the two sides is therefore based on actual results and the scale of the deal. Where the historical record leaves a detail unresolved, the evaluation stays conservative rather than guessing. That is especially important for older minor trades, where the transaction itself can be verified even when every downstream branch cannot.
Final Verdict
The final call is Washington Commanders Win. Pittsburgh Steelers receives a C, while Washington Commanders receives a B. Those grades match the documented package and the subsequent value created by each return. The transaction belongs in the minor tier, but the available evidence is sufficient for a complete hindsight judgment.