Washington acquired defensive tackle Eric Williams from…
Washington acquired defensive tackle Eric Williams from Detroit for running back James Wilder and a 1991 fourth-round pick, No. 108 Tony Hill. Williams immediately became an important interior defender and started throughout Washington's 1991 championship season, posting a career-high 64 tackles and 17 quarterback hurries. Detroit received a veteran back and a mid-round choice, but neither matched Williams' impact on an elite Super Bowl defense.
Detroit Lions Received
- player James Wilder
- pick 1991 4th round pick (108th overall, Tony Hill)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Eric Williams
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Washington acquired defensive tackle Eric Williams from Detroit in September 1990. The Lions received veteran running back James Wilder and Washington's 1991 fourth-round selection, which became No. 108 Tony Hill. Washington sources date the transaction to September 11, while some Detroit and league records list September 13.
Washington Commanders Return
Williams was exactly the kind of veteran interior presence Washington needed. He started eight games after arriving in 1990 and then became a full-time starter in 1991. Washington's own historical material credits him with a career-high 64 tackles and 17 quarterback hurries that championship season, when the defense made a major jump against both the run and overall yardage. He started throughout the postseason as Washington won Super Bowl XXVI.
Detroit Lions Return
Wilder brought experience but was already late in a long career. The fourth-round pick gave Detroit a second asset and became Tony Hill, yet the package did not produce a comparable long-term building block. In pure quantity Detroit received two pieces, but neither supplied the sustained interior defensive value that Williams gave Washington immediately.
Value in Hindsight
The championship context separates this from an ordinary veteran swap. Williams was not merely on the roster; he was a starting member of one of the strongest teams of the era and a significant part of a dramatically improved defense. Washington paid a veteran back and a fourth-round pick, a meaningful but manageable price for that level of contribution.
Final Verdict
Washington earns an A- and Detroit a C-. The Lions received legitimate compensation, but Williams' starting role on a Super Bowl champion and his strong 1991 production gave Washington the decisive return. This is a clear veteran-acquisition win for Washington.