Washington's 1966 deal with Dallas ultimately brought Brig…
Washington's 1966 deal with Dallas ultimately brought Brig Owens, Mitch Johnson and Jake Kupp in exchange for Jim Steffen and a 1967 fifth-round pick used on Willie Parker. Owens became the defining piece, spending 12 seasons in Washington and recording 36 interceptions. Dallas received legitimate consideration, but nothing in its return approached Owens' sustained impact, leaving Washington with the clear advantage in hindsight.
Dallas Cowboys Received
- player Jim Steffen
- pick 1967 5th round pick (#119, Willie Parker)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Brig Owens
- player Mitch Johnson
- player Jake Kupp
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Washington's 1966 transaction with Dallas developed in stages during August. Washington ultimately received defensive back Brig Owens, Mitch Johnson and Jake Kupp. Dallas received Jim Steffen and Washington's 1967 fifth-round pick, No. 119, which became Willie Parker. The staged timing can make the record look more complicated than the final exchange, but the completed package provides a clear basis for evaluating both sides.
Washington Commanders Return
Owens became the centerpiece of the deal and the strongest reason for Washington's grade. He spent 12 seasons with the franchise and recorded 36 interceptions, giving Washington long-term production from the secondary that far exceeded the usual return from a multi-player roster transaction. Johnson and Kupp added further value to the package, but Washington's case does not depend on them because Owens alone developed into a durable, high-impact contributor.
Dallas Cowboys Return
Dallas received Steffen and a fifth-round draft choice. Both were legitimate assets, so the Cowboys were not left empty-handed. The fifth-round selection carried normal developmental value, and Steffen provided a direct veteran return. The problem in hindsight is comparative: neither asset approached the longevity or defensive production Washington obtained from Owens, leaving Dallas without a counterweight to the best player in the transaction.
Value in Hindsight
The final package strongly favors Washington. Owens became a long-term defensive fixture and supplied 36 interceptions across more than a decade with the franchise. Dallas obtained real consideration, but its realized return remained modest by comparison. Once the completed transaction is evaluated as one package, the difference in long-term impact is substantial.
Final Verdict
Washington Commanders Win. Washington keeps an A because Owens became a foundational defensive contributor with exceptional longevity and takeaway production. Dallas remains at D because Steffen and the fifth-round pick did not generate comparable value. The outcome is decisively in Washington's favor.