Cincinnati traded picks No. 4 and No. 58 to Washington for…
Cincinnati traded picks No. 4 and No. 58 to Washington for Nos. 6, 28 and 84 in the 1992 draft. The Bengals selected David Klingler, Darryl Williams and Leonard Wheeler, while Washington took Desmond Howard at No. 4 and quickly moved No. 58 to Dallas. Klingler's failure as Cincinnati's hoped-for franchise quarterback outweighed the useful Williams selection, leaving Washington with the better side.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 1992 first round pick (#6-David Klingler)
- pick 1992 first round pick (#28-Darryl Williams)
- pick 1992 third round pick (#84-Leonard Wheeler)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1992 first round pick (#4-Desmond Howard)
- pick 1992 third round pick (#58-Clayton Holmes)
Trade Analysis
The full 1992 Cincinnati-Washington package was larger than the two first-round picks. Cincinnati sent the fourth overall selection and pick No. 58 to Washington. The Bengals received No. 6, No. 28 and No. 84. Cincinnati used those choices on quarterback David Klingler, safety Darryl Williams and defensive back Leonard Wheeler. Washington used No. 4 on Michigan star Desmond Howard and then moved No. 58 to Dallas in another draft-day transaction.
Klingler was the defining Cincinnati bet. The Bengals hoped he would become their long-term quarterback, but he finished his NFL career with a 4-20 record as a starter, 16 touchdown passes and 22 interceptions. That miss carried far more weight than an ordinary first-round disappointment because the franchise had moved down only two spots while building the return around the chance to secure its quarterback at No. 6.
Cincinnati did receive an important additional player who must be included in the evaluation. Williams, selected 28th, developed into a durable safety and later earned Pro Bowl recognition during a long NFL career. He gave the Bengals legitimate value and prevents the package from being treated as if Klingler were the only return. Wheeler added another roster opportunity but was less consequential.
Washington's return was imperfect too. Howard's greatest NFL moment came later with Green Bay, not Washington, so his Super Bowl XXXI MVP performance should not be credited to this trade. Even so, Washington avoided the failed quarterback investment and retained flexibility by moving the acquired second-round pick again. The existing B-plus to F spread is severe given Williams's career, but the directional verdict still favors Washington because Cincinnati's central quarterback gamble never delivered the franchise value the trade sought.