Baltimore sent linebacker Dennis Gaubatz to Washington for…
Baltimore sent linebacker Dennis Gaubatz to Washington for defensive lineman Frank Bosch and the 1970 fourth-round pick used on Steve Smear. Bosch did not survive the Colts’ final cuts and returned to Washington on waivers, while Smear chose the CFL and never played for Baltimore. Gaubatz retired before providing Washington regular-season value. The Colts acquired two assets, but neither produced an NFL return, leaving the deal effectively even.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Frank Bosch
- pick 1970 fourth round pick (#95-Steve Smear)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Dennis Gaubatz / Denny Gaubatz
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Baltimore traded linebacker Dennis Gaubatz to Washington on January 27, 1970, receiving defensive lineman Frank Bosch and a fourth-round selection in the 1970 draft. Colts transaction history and draft records identify that pick as No. 95, used on Penn State defender Steve Smear. On paper, Baltimore received both a veteran and a draft choice for one established linebacker.
What Baltimore Received
Bosch had started 12 games for Washington in 1969, so he was not merely a camp body when acquired. His Colts stay nevertheless produced no regular-season return. Baltimore released him in September, and Washington reclaimed him on waivers; Bosch then played 11 games with five starts for Washington in 1970. The draft choice also failed to create Colts value. Smear was selected 95th overall but chose professional football in Canada, where he became an All-CFL player, rather than playing an NFL regular-season game for Baltimore. His later success demonstrates that the pick found a capable player, but it was not realized by the Colts.
What Washington Received
Gaubatz had been an accomplished Baltimore linebacker and a starter on strong Colts defenses. Yet Washington did not receive the productive version reflected in his Baltimore résumé. Contemporary accounts of his career indicate that he retired in 1970 and did not become a regular-season contributor for Washington. The acquiring club therefore gave up Bosch and a fourth-round pick without obtaining on-field production from Gaubatz.
Final Verdict
The original package looks favorable to Baltimore because two assets came back for one player, but hindsight eliminates that advantage. Bosch produced no Colts regular-season value, Smear never played for Baltimore, and Gaubatz did not provide Washington regular-season value. Because neither team converted the trade into meaningful NFL production, an Even Trade with C grades on both sides is more accurate than awarding Baltimore a clear win.