Washington acquired defensive lineman Bob Toneff from San…
Washington acquired defensive lineman Bob Toneff from San Francisco on May 12, 1959, for a 1960 second-round pick, No. 16 overall. Toneff became a six-year Washington mainstay, playing 80 games with 76 starts and earning three consecutive Pro Bowls from 1959 through 1961. San Francisco used the pick on guard Mike Magac, who played five seasons and 56 games for the 49ers. Both sides did well, but Toneff delivered the greater peak value.
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1960 second round pick (#16-Mike Magac)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Bob Toneff
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Bob Toneff had already spent six seasons with San Francisco when the 49ers traded him to Washington on May 12, 1959. The return was Washington’s 1960 second-round selection. The 49ers’ own historical media guide confirms the transaction and identifies the eventual selection as Missouri guard Mike Magac at No. 16. The deal gave Washington an established veteran while San Francisco reset part of its line with a high draft choice.
What Washington Received
Toneff immediately justified the acquisition. Pro Football Reference credits him with 12 games and 11 starts for Washington in 1959, followed by five more full seasons. Across his Washington tenure he appeared in 80 games and started 76. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1959, 1960 and 1961, and remained a 14-game starter through 1964. Washington’s official Pro Bowl history also lists Toneff among its 1959 honorees. That is a substantial return for one second-round pick.
What San Francisco Received
The 49ers used No. 16 on Magac, and the pick worked out well. Magac played for San Francisco from 1960 through 1964, appearing in 56 games and starting 25. His best season came in 1962, when he started all 14 games at left guard. He later played two more seasons in Pittsburgh. San Francisco therefore did not lose the trade badly; it converted an older veteran into a younger lineman who supplied five seasons of service.
Final Verdict
Washington Redskins/Commanders Win. Both clubs deserve positive grades. San Francisco earns a B+ for getting five useful seasons from Magac. Washington earns an A because Toneff produced six seasons, 76 starts and three Pro Bowl selections immediately after the trade. The difference is not longevity alone but peak quality: Toneff became an honors-level defensive lineman while Magac was a solid, useful starter. Washington received the more valuable player.