Philadelphia sent cornerback Joe Lavender to Washington in…
Philadelphia sent cornerback Joe Lavender to Washington in 1976 and received defensive lineman Manny Sistrunk plus three future picks: 1977 No. 158, 1978 No. 130 and 1979 No. 94. The package gave the Eagles several chances to recover value, but none matched Lavender's sustained impact in Washington. In hindsight, the quantity on Philadelphia's side did not overcome the quality of the player it surrendered.
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Manny Sistrunk
- pick 1977 6th round pick (158th overall, Martin Mitchell)
- pick 1978 5th round pick (130th overall, Norris Banks)
- pick 1979 4th round pick (94th overall, Ben Cowins)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Joe Lavender
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Washington acquired cornerback Joe Lavender from Philadelphia on August 4, 1976. The Eagles received defensive lineman Manny Sistrunk plus three future draft selections: 1977 No. 158, 1978 No. 130 and 1979 No. 94. Those picks became Martin Mitchell, Norris Banks and Ben Cowins. The package was substantial in quantity, but the long-term comparison ultimately centered on Lavender's career in Washington.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Philadelphia received one veteran and three separate draft opportunities. Sistrunk provided an immediate roster piece, while the future selections spread the return across three draft classes. That kind of package normally gives the selling club several paths to success. The problem is that none of the four assets developed into a contribution that approached the durability or importance Lavender supplied to Washington.
Washington Commanders Return
Lavender became the defining player in the trade. He established himself as a long-term starter in Washington's secondary and remained with the club for years, giving the defense stability and quality at cornerback. For a team giving up multiple assets, landing one player who becomes a sustained starter is exactly the outcome needed to justify the cost. Washington received that outcome clearly.
Value in Hindsight
Philadelphia's return looked safer because it contained four pieces, but hindsight rewards realized football value rather than asset count alone. Washington received the best player and the longest-lasting contribution. The Eagles' picks did not produce a star or comparable long-term starter, and Sistrunk did not offset Lavender's value. That creates unusually clear separation for a trade built around a veteran defensive back.
Final Verdict
Washington earns an A- and Philadelphia a D+. The Eagles accumulated several assets, but Washington acquired the player who became a durable and important starter. The gap between Lavender's contribution and the Eagles' realized return makes this a strong Washington Commanders Win, reflecting the franchise historically known as the Redskins at the time.