Washington Commanders received Tim Johnson. Washington…
Washington Commanders received Tim Johnson. Washington acquired defensive lineman Tim Johnson. He spent six seasons with the club, started 67 games, and recorded 20.5 sacks, creating a durable defensive return from the transaction. Both clubs received contributors, but Johnson's six seasons and 67 starts produced substantially more value for Washington than Cooper produced for Pittsburgh. That outcome supports an A- grade for Washington Commanders.
Washington Commanders Received
- player Tim Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 1991 fourth round pick (#103- Adrian Cooper )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1990-08-23, Washington Commanders received Tim Johnson, while Pittsburgh Steelers received 1991 fourth round pick (#103-Adrian Cooper). Team and player records support the package. The comparison focuses on value each club controlled after the exchange.
Washington Commanders Return
Washington Commanders received Tim Johnson. Washington acquired defensive lineman Tim Johnson. He spent six seasons with the club, started 67 games, and recorded 20.5 sacks, creating a durable defensive return from the transaction. Both clubs received contributors, but Johnson's six seasons and 67 starts produced substantially more value for Washington than Cooper produced for Pittsburgh. That outcome supports an A- grade for Washington Commanders. The grade reflects the practical return created for this franchise rather than merely the name attached to a pick after later movement.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Pittsburgh Steelers received 1991 fourth round pick (#103-Adrian Cooper). Pittsburgh received the fourth-round choice that became Adrian Cooper. Cooper gave the Steelers three useful seasons at tight end, so Pittsburgh did receive legitimate value from its side of the exchange. Both clubs received contributors, but Johnson's six seasons and 67 starts produced substantially more value for Washington than Cooper produced for Pittsburgh. That outcome supports a C+ grade for Pittsburgh Steelers. This side is judged on the value it actually controlled after the trade, including documented playing time and clearly traceable use of acquired selections.
Value in Hindsight
Both clubs received contributors, but Johnson's six seasons and 67 starts produced substantially more value for Washington than Cooper produced for Pittsburgh. The comparison gives the most weight to regular-season contribution, starting value, and clearly documented conversion of acquired draft capital. Later selections by another holder are useful for tracing a pick, but they are not treated as on-field production for a club that had already moved the asset.
Final Verdict
The final call is Washington Commanders Win. Washington Commanders earns A-, and Pittsburgh Steelers earns C+. Those grades match the supported package and the relative football value each side ultimately realized, without overstating the exchange or assigning another club's later player outcome to the wrong team.