Washington acquired veteran running back Gerald Riggs and a…
Washington acquired veteran running back Gerald Riggs and a 1990 fifth-round pick from Atlanta for a 1989 second-rounder and a 1990 first-rounder. The price was substantial, but Riggs became a short-yardage and goal-line weapon on Washington's 1991 championship team, scoring 11 regular-season rushing touchdowns and six more during the postseason run.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1989 second round pick (#38-Ralph Norwood)
- pick 1990 first round pick (#20-Steve Broussard (Nelson))
Washington Commanders Received
- player Gerald Riggs (Sr.)
- pick 1990 fifth round pick (#111-Jeff Davidson)
Trade Analysis
Washington paid an aggressive price for Gerald Riggs: a second-round pick in 1989 and a first-round pick in 1990, while also receiving a 1990 fifth-rounder from Atlanta. The deal looked expensive because Riggs was already a veteran with heavy mileage, but Washington did not need him to recreate his peak Falcons rushing totals. The club needed a physical complement in a deep backfield, and his most important value arrived at exactly the right time.
In 1991, Riggs rushed for only 248 regular-season yards but scored 11 touchdowns. His role became even more pronounced in the postseason, when he scored six rushing touchdowns across Washington's three playoff victories on the way to the Super Bowl XXVI championship. Those scores do not erase the cost, but championship conversion matters. Washington acquired a veteran for a specific competitive window and received decisive short-yardage production during that window.
Atlanta's return was respectable rather than transformative. Ralph Norwood, the 38th pick in 1989, appeared in 11 games as a rookie before his life was tragically cut short in an automobile accident. The 1990 first-round selection became Steve Broussard, who gave Atlanta four seasons of useful running and return work but never developed into a franchise-changing player. Washington's additional fifth-round selection was later moved, so Riggs remains the centerpiece of its side.
The Falcons received legitimate draft value, which keeps their grade from falling too far. Yet Washington's willingness to pay for a veteran was rewarded with a direct contribution to a championship season. That outcome justifies reversing the old verdict and giving Washington the stronger grade.