Washington acquired center-linebacker Fred Hageman from the…
Washington acquired center-linebacker Fred Hageman from the New York Giants on December 31, 1960 for the Redskins' 1961 second-round choice. New York used the acquired selection at No. 17 on Bobby Gaiters. Washington earns the stronger grade because Hageman became a multi-year starter and important two-way roster piece. The Giants received a premium draft choice, so their side retained value, but the realized production favored Washington.
New York Giants Received
- pick 1961 second round pick (#17- Bob Gaiters / Bobby Gaiters )
Washington Commanders Received
- player Fred Hageman
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Washington acquired center-linebacker Fred Hageman from the New York Giants on December 31, 1960 for the Redskins' 1961 second-round choice. New York used the acquired selection at No. 17 on Bobby Gaiters. The exchange made sense as a roster decision for both clubs at the time: New York Giants received 1961 second round pick (#17-Bob Gaiters / Bobby Gaiters), while Washington Redskins received Fred Hageman. The historical terms are stated at the level the surviving team and transaction records support, without attaching an uncertain draft choice to a named player when that link is not secure.
What New York Giants Received
The Giants converted a future player into a valuable second-round pick and used it on Gaiters. That was a sensible asset return, but Gaiters did not produce the sustained value needed to make New York the clear winner. For New York Giants, the grade weighs the immediate role of the acquired asset, how long it remained useful, and whether any draft capital created a later roster return. That keeps the evaluation centered on football value rather than the reputation of the names involved.
What Washington Redskins Received
Washington received a player who became an immediate defensive leader and then a starting center. Hageman played several seasons for the Redskins and gave the club far more direct NFL production than a speculative future asset would guarantee. For Washington Redskins, the same standard applies: games played, starting value, later movement, and the practical quality of any selection received. A late pick is not treated like a premium asset, and a veteran who never reached the regular season does not receive credit for value that never materialized.
Final Verdict
Washington earns the stronger grade because Hageman became a multi-year starter and important two-way roster piece. The Giants received a premium draft choice, so their side retained value, but the realized production favored Washington. The final grades are New York Giants C+ and Washington Redskins B+. The verdict is based on the strongest supportable description of the transaction and the career value that followed. That produces a complete historical judgment while keeping the package faithful to what the available football records can actually establish.