Dallas acquired defensive tackle Dean Hamel from Washington…

The Exchange

Washington traded defensive tackle Dean Hamel to Dallas on August 29, 1989 for a conditional 1990 draft choice. The condition was satisfied at the fifth-round level, leaving Washington with pick No. 110. That distinction matters because No. 110 was not ultimately used by Washington. The club later included it in another draft transaction, and New England eventually selected Junior Robinson with that slot.

Dallas Cowboys Return

Dallas acquired defensive tackle Dean Hamel from Washington on August 29, 1989 for a conditional 1990 draft choice that ultimately became the fifth-round No. 110 pick. Hamel stepped into the Cowboys lineup and supplied immediate defensive value. Washington later moved No. 110 in a separate draft-day deal, so the most tangible direct return from the original transaction belonged to Dallas.

Washington Return

Washington sent Dean Hamel to Dallas for a conditional 1990 selection that resolved as fifth-round pick No. 110. Washington did not use that pick on Junior Robinson; it later packaged No. 110 with No. 111 to move up to No. 86, and New England ultimately made the No. 110 selection. The pick had real value, but Hamel's Dallas contribution gives the Cowboys the better direct result.

Value in Hindsight

This was not a major swing in franchise history. Washington acquired movable draft capital and retained the ability to reshape its board, while Dallas got a veteran who contributed right away. The difference is that Dallas' benefit is direct and measurable, whereas Washington's original pick became part of a later exchange whose value cannot be assigned entirely to this deal.

Final Verdict

Dallas receives a B and Washington a C-. The Cowboys turned a conditional mid-round pick into immediate starting help, while Washington gained useful but indirect draft flexibility. The edge is meaningful rather than overwhelming, making this a Dallas Cowboys Win.