Indianapolis sent Washington the 129th pick in the 1989…
Indianapolis sent Washington the 129th pick in the 1989 draft, used on Tim Smiley, for two 1990 choices that became Alan Grant at No. 103 and Harvey Wilson at No. 213. Grant immediately gave the Colts two full seasons, appearing in 32 games with eight starts and returning kicks. Smiley did not become an NFL regular-season contributor, giving Indianapolis the better return.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1990 fourth round pick (#103-Alan Grant)
- pick 1990 eighth round pick (#213-Harvey Wilson)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1989 fifth round pick (#129-Tim Smiley)
Trade Analysis
Why Indianapolis Deferred the Value
On April 23, 1989, Indianapolis gave Washington a fifth-round pick, No. 129, in exchange for two selections in the 1990 draft. The Colts were effectively trading one immediate mid-round choice for a fourth-rounder and an eighth-rounder one year later. Washington used the 1989 pick on Tim Smiley, while Indianapolis eventually selected defensive back Alan Grant at No. 103 and Harvey Wilson at No. 213.
What the Colts Received
Grant gave Indianapolis the clearest football value in the transaction. He played all 16 games as a rookie in 1990, started seven, returned 15 kickoffs for 280 yards and scored on an interception return. He played another 16 games for the Colts in 1991. His career eventually reached 72 games, but the key trade value was already visible in those 32 Indianapolis appearances.
How Washington's Pick Developed
Smiley did not become a regular-season NFL contributor, leaving Washington without a comparable payoff from the immediate fifth-round selection. Harvey Wilson did not need to become a major player for the Colts to come out ahead because Grant alone supplied two seasons of roster value, starts, return work and a defensive touchdown. The extra eighth-round choice simply added another opportunity to an already favorable structure.
Final Verdict
Indianapolis accepted a one-year wait and turned the deal into a useful defensive back who contributed immediately. Washington spent its one acquired pick without receiving sustained regular-season production. The difference is meaningful but not franchise-changing, which fits a B- for the Colts rather than an elite grade. Washington receives D+ for the missed fifth-round return. The overall result is an Indianapolis Colts Win.