Detroit acquired Harry Gilmer from Washington in June 1955,…
Detroit acquired Harry Gilmer from Washington in June 1955, but the complete return was Bert Zagers and Bob Trout, not Zagers alone. Gilmer provided Detroit with two seasons of veteran quarterback depth, while Zagers became a multi-year Washington contributor. Restoring Trout to the package strengthens an already favorable Washington result and supports a clear Redskins/Commanders win.
Detroit Lions Received
- player Harry Gilmer
Washington Commanders Received
- player Bert Zagers
- player Bob Trout
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Detroit acquired veteran quarterback Harry Gilmer from Washington on June 16, 1955. Historical accounts identify the Washington return as Bert Zagers and Bob Trout, giving Washington a two-player package in the exchange. With the full package restored, the exchange can be evaluated as a veteran quarterback for two younger players.
Detroit Lions Return
Gilmer gave Detroit experienced quarterback depth for the 1955 and 1956 seasons, but he did not become a long-term Lions starter. His service had value and keeps Detroit around an average grade. The return falls short of Washington's because Detroit surrendered two players, including one who became a durable contributor, for a relatively brief quarterback tenure.
Washington Redskins/Commanders Return
Washington received Zagers and Trout. Zagers became the centerpiece of the return, spending his NFL career with Washington and leading the league in punt returns in 1957. Trout adds further package value even without matching Zagers' impact. Receiving two players for a quarterback who had already completed his Washington run produced the stronger long-term result.
Value in Hindsight
The missing Bob Trout matters because it changes the scale of Washington's return. This was not Gilmer for Zagers alone; Washington received two players. Gilmer provided Detroit some veteran utility, but Zagers delivered the more durable career value and Trout was additional consideration. Once the package is represented completely, Washington's advantage becomes clear without requiring an extreme grade.
Final Verdict
The final call is Washington Redskins/Commanders Win. Detroit Lions receives a C grade and Washington Redskins/Commanders receives a B grade. The grades focus on post-transaction value, role, longevity, and the scale of the assets exchanged. Because this was a relatively small historical transaction, the evaluation stays proportional rather than treating ordinary roster value like a franchise-changing blockbuster. The better grade goes to the club that received the more useful football return after the move.