Minnesota acquired defensive end George Hinkle and wide…
Minnesota acquired defensive end George Hinkle and wide receiver Joe Johnson from Washington for a conditional 1993 sixth-round pick. The condition did not elevate the selection, and Washington used No. 160 on tight end Frank Wycheck. Johnson contributed 21 catches for 211 yards in 1992, while Hinkle offered short-term depth. Wycheck's greatest years came after Washington, but becoming a long NFL starter gives the pick the stronger hindsight value.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player George Hinkle
- player Joe Johnson
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1993 6th round pick (160th overall, Frank Wycheck)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Washington traded defensive end George Hinkle and wide receiver Joe Johnson to Minnesota on August 25, 1992, for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 1993 draft. Contemporary reporting said the pick would become a fifth if either player reached a 50-percent playing-time threshold. The condition was not triggered. Washington retained the sixth-round selection at No. 160 and used it on tight end Frank Wycheck.
Minnesota Vikings Return
Minnesota received two veterans for an immediate roster push. Johnson appeared in 15 games in 1992, started six and caught 21 passes for 211 yards and one touchdown. Hinkle provided defensive-line depth but only a brief Vikings return. The package was useful enough to justify a C+ rather than treating the move as a failure: Minnesota bought real 1992 snaps without surrendering a premium selection.
Washington Commanders Return
Washington's sixth-round pick became Wycheck. His Washington tenure was not the portion of his career that made him famous, but he did start seven games as a rookie and remained with the club through 1994. After leaving, he became a three-time Pro Bowler and finished with 505 career receptions. Hindsight should not credit Washington for production earned elsewhere, yet the pick clearly identified a player with far more lasting NFL value than the short-term veterans Minnesota received.
Value in Hindsight
This is not a case where Wycheck's entire 11-year career should be placed on Washington's side of the comparison. The proper comparison is Washington's two years of a drafted player plus the value of finding him at No. 160 against Minnesota's one-year veteran help. Even with that restraint, the pick aged better.
Final Verdict
Washington wins, B- to C+. Minnesota received useful 1992 depth, but Washington converted a conditional sixth into a legitimate starter and the best long-term talent connected to the deal.