Washington acquired veteran Fred Sturt from St. Louis for…

The Exchange

Washington acquired veteran lineman Fred Sturt from the St. Louis Cardinals on March 8, 1974. The Cardinals received Jimmie Jones plus two future draft selections: a 1975 seventh-round pick that became No. 178, Earl Douthitt, and a 1976 fifth-round pick that became No. 141, Wayne Morris. No. 178 was later included in another Cardinals transaction, but that later movement did not add anything to Washington's original price. Washington Commanders Return Washington received a known veteran who could fill an immediate line role. Trading a depth player and future selections for an established starter can make sense for a team focused on the present. Sturt gave Washington certainty that late-round picks could not guarantee. The cost, however, was more than a single low pick, because Washington surrendered Jones and two separate future opportunities across consecutive drafts. Arizona Cardinals Return St. Louis received the deeper asset package. Jones offered immediate player value, while Nos. 178 and 141 created two additional roster-building chances. A fifth-round pick in particular carried meaningful value for a veteran trade of this scale. The Cardinals later moved No. 178 again, but that is simply what they did with an asset already acquired from Washington and should not be folded into this direct exchange. Value in Hindsight The trade favors St. Louis because the Cardinals collected three assets for one veteran and maintained both immediate and future flexibility. Washington's decision was understandable for a contender that valued present help, so the gap should not be exaggerated. Still, a player plus two picks is a substantial return for a veteran whose acquisition did not create a comparable long-term advantage for Washington. Final Verdict St. Louis earns a C+ and Washington a C. The Cardinals received Jimmie Jones and two identifiable selections, while Washington obtained useful veteran help in Fred Sturt. The later Bears transaction involving No. 178 is excluded from the direct package. On the assets actually exchanged between these clubs, the Cardinals hold a modest but defensible win.