Washington acquired linebacker Brad Dusek and a 1974…
Washington acquired linebacker Brad Dusek and a 1974 third-round pick from New England for Donnel Smith and a 1974 seventh-round pick. Dusek became an eight-season Washington fixture, while the third-round choice retained additional trade value. New England's seventh-rounder became Maury Damkroger, whose Patriots career lasted 13 games, creating a clear Washington advantage.
New England Patriots Received
- player Donnel Smith
- pick 1974 seventh round pick (#178-Maury Damkroger)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Brad Dusek
- pick 1974 third round pick (#62) [later traded to Chicago Bears for Willie Holman and 1975 fifth round pick (#108- Mike Thomas )]
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Washington and New England completed the deal on September 6, 1973. Washington received linebacker Brad Dusek and a 1974 third-round choice, No. 62 overall. New England received Donnel Smith and the 1974 seventh-round choice that became Maury Damkroger at No. 178. Washington later traded the third-round selection to Chicago, so its value should be treated as retained draft capital rather than credited as the career of the player eventually selected.
Washington Return
Dusek supplied the strongest direct value in the transaction. Beginning in 1974, he played 114 regular-season games for Washington and remained with the club through 1981. His defensive record includes four interceptions and extensive special-teams and linebacker work. That kind of eight-season continuity is meaningful in a trade built around a veteran player and mid-round capital. Washington also controlled the higher of the two draft choices and later used that choice in another transaction.
New England Return
The Patriots did receive some value from the seventh-round pick. Damkroger played 11 games as a rookie in 1974 and 13 games over two New England seasons. That is legitimate roster value, but it remained a short contribution compared with Dusek's long Washington tenure. Smith did not create an offsetting result large enough to close the gap. The trade therefore favored the side that landed both the durable player and the more valuable draft asset.
Final Verdict
Washington wins. Dusek alone gave Washington many more seasons of usable football than New England received from Damkroger, and the third-round choice added further leverage. A B+ for Washington and C for New England reflects a clear but not enormous standard-tier victory.