Indianapolis acquired Clarence Verdin from Washington on…
Indianapolis acquired Clarence Verdin from Washington on March 29, 1988 for a sixth-round pick, No. 159, later used on quarterback Stan Humphries. Verdin became a multi-year Colts receiver and return specialist, producing 437 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his first Indianapolis season. Humphries later had a strong NFL career, but Washington realized little of that success before he left the franchise.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Clarence Verdin
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1988 sixth round pick (#159-Stan Humphries)
Trade Analysis
Why Indianapolis Wanted Verdin
The Colts sent Washington a sixth-round choice on March 29, 1988 for Clarence Verdin, a receiver and return specialist who had seen only a small offensive role in Washington. Indianapolis gave him a much larger opportunity. In 1988 alone, Verdin played all 16 games, started 11, caught 20 passes for 437 yards and four touchdowns, and also handled return duties.
What Washington Did With the Pick
Washington used No. 159 on quarterback Stan Humphries. In hindsight, Humphries became the most accomplished player connected to the transaction, but most of that value arrived elsewhere. He barely played for Washington before eventually moving to San Diego, where he became a long-term starter and led the Chargers to a Super Bowl. Trade value should credit what a club actually receives, not a player's later success after departure.
How the Colts Benefited
Verdin remained with Indianapolis through 1993. His receiving totals fluctuated, but his speed and return ability gave the Colts six seasons of roster value, including punt-return touchdowns and regular special-teams work. That is a substantial outcome for the cost of a sixth-round choice. Washington's selection had theoretical upside, yet the franchise did not capture Humphries' best years.
Final Verdict
Indianapolis wins this deal because it converted a sixth-round pick into a useful multi-year contributor and immediately expanded Verdin's role. Washington deserves some credit for drafting a quarterback who later proved he could play, but the organization did not realize that later production. The Colts receive a B+ for extracting durable value; Washington gets a C for a pick that eventually blossomed somewhere else.