Washington acquired veteran quarterback Mark Brunell from…
Washington acquired veteran quarterback Mark Brunell from Jacksonville for the 72nd pick in the 2004 draft. Brunell struggled in his first season but rebounded in 2005, starting 15 games for a 10-6 playoff team and throwing 23 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Jacksonville later moved pick No. 72 for Jorge Cordova and Anthony Maddox, neither of whom became a major contributor. Washington received the more consequential return.
Jacksonville Jaguars Received
- pick 2004 3rd round pick (72nd overall subsequently traded, Donnell Washington)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Mark Brunell
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Jacksonville was transitioning fully to Byron Leftwich and no longer needed Mark Brunell as its veteran starting quarterback. Washington, with Joe Gibbs returning as head coach, wanted an experienced passer and sent a 2004 third-round pick to the Jaguars. The pick became No. 72, giving Jacksonville draft flexibility while Washington acquired a proven quarterback before free agency and the draft were complete.
What the Returns Produced
Brunell's 2004 season in Washington was disappointing, but his second year changed the outcome of the trade. In 2005 he started 15 games for a 10-6 team, threw for 3,050 yards and posted 23 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Washington won a road playoff game at Tampa Bay before losing in the divisional round. Jacksonville did not keep pick No. 72, instead trading it to Green Bay for picks No. 86 and No. 118, used on Jorge Cordova and Anthony Maddox.
How the Value Developed
Cordova and Maddox failed to provide Jacksonville with a comparable long-term payoff. Maddox appeared in only a small number of games for the Jaguars, while Cordova did not become a meaningful NFL contributor. Brunell's Washington tenure was uneven and he eventually gave way to Jason Campbell, but one productive playoff season from a starting quarterback carries substantial value in a deal built around a third-round choice.
Why This Trade Still Matters
The trade is a reminder that veteran acquisitions can be worthwhile even without long tenure. Washington did not receive a franchise quarterback, yet Brunell helped deliver one of the club's better seasons of that era. Jacksonville's attempt to multiply the draft asset did not yield enough production to match it.
Final Verdict
Washington Commanders Win is the best fit. Washington earns a B+ for Brunell's strong 2005 season and playoff contribution, while Jacksonville earns a C because its third-round asset was converted into two players with limited impact.