Houston acquired kicker Tony Zendejas, who became a…
Houston acquired kicker Tony Zendejas, who became a productive multi-season specialist for the Oilers. His sustained scoring contribution gave the franchise the clearest realized value in the deal and outweighed the future fifth-round asset that moved to Washington. That outcome supports a B grade for Tennessee Titans within the final Houston Oilers Win verdict.
Tennessee Titans Received
- player Tony Zendejas
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1987 fifth round pick (#120-Steve Bryan (a))
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1985-08-27, Tennessee Titans received Tony Zendejas, while Washington Commanders received 1987 fifth round pick (#120-Steve Bryan (a)). 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.
Tennessee Titans Return
Houston acquired kicker Tony Zendejas, who became a productive multi-season specialist for the Oilers. His sustained scoring contribution gave the franchise the clearest realized value in the deal and outweighed the future fifth-round asset that moved to Washington. That outcome supports a B grade for Tennessee Titans within the final Houston Oilers Win verdict. The result is best measured by the contribution that followed the transaction, including playing time, starting value, and any draft asset that remained under the club's control.
Washington Commanders Return
Washington received a future fifth-round selection tied to the 1987 No. 120 slot and later moved the pick before Steve Bryan was selected. The club preserved draft capital, but it did not realize football value from that asset comparable to Zendejas' multi-year production for Houston. That outcome supports a C grade for Washington Commanders within the final Houston Oilers Win verdict. This side is graded by the same standard: tangible production and retained value count more heavily than opportunity alone, especially when the original price was modest.
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 Houston Oilers Win. Tennessee Titans earns B, and Washington Commanders earns C. 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.