Los Angeles received Washington's 1985 tenth-round pick No.…
Los Angeles received Washington's 1985 tenth-round pick No. 275 and used it on Reggie McKenzie. McKenzie played 58 games with 40 starts for the Raiders from 1985 through 1988, turning a very late selection into a substantial multi-year return. That outcome supports a B grade for Las Vegas Raiders within the final Los Angeles Raiders Win verdict.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1985 tenth round pick (#275-Reggie McKenzie (b. 1963-02-08))
Washington Commanders Received
- player Morris Towns / Mo Towns
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1984-08-31, Las Vegas Raiders received 1985 tenth round pick (#275-Reggie McKenzie (b. 1963-02-08)), while Washington Commanders received Morris Towns / Mo Towns. The package is supported well enough to judge the deal by what each side actually obtained afterward. The original stakes varied from cash and late picks to veteran players, so the grades emphasize realized football value rather than the size or reputation of the assets at the moment of the exchange.
Oakland Raiders Return
Los Angeles received Washington's 1985 tenth-round pick No. 275 and used it on Reggie McKenzie. McKenzie played 58 games with 40 starts for the Raiders from 1985 through 1988, turning a very late selection into a substantial multi-year return. That outcome supports a B grade for Las Vegas Raiders within the final Los Angeles Raiders Win verdict.
Washington Return
Washington acquired tackle Morris Towns and received only limited service from him in 1984. The immediate veteran help did not approach the long-term contribution Los Angeles found with Reggie McKenzie, leaving Washington clearly behind in realized value. That outcome supports a D+ grade for Washington Commanders within the final Los Angeles Raiders Win verdict.
Value in Hindsight
The decisive point is the gap in realized value after the deal. One side turned its return into more useful starts, production, or durable roster value, while the other received a shorter or less productive outcome. The difference is meaningful enough to support a winner without overstating the importance of a transaction that was often built around modest assets.
Final Verdict
The final call is Los Angeles Raiders Win. Las Vegas Raiders earns B, and Washington Commanders earns D+. Those grades reflect the supported package and the relative football value each franchise realized after the exchange, while keeping the scale of the transaction in proper historical context.