Washington acquired John Petitbon, Doyle Nix and a…
Washington acquired John Petitbon, Doyle Nix and a conditional fifth-round pick, while Green Bay received J.D. Kimmel and Steve Meilinger. Petitbon retired, activating the extra selection, but Nix contributed on defense. Kimmel started all 12 games for Green Bay in 1958 and Meilinger also played regularly. The exchange produced comparable short-term value on both sides rather than a decisive winner.
Green Bay Packers Received
- player J.D. Kimmel
- player Steve Meilinger
Washington Commanders Received
- player John Petitbon
- player Doyle Nix
- pick 1959 conditional fifth round pick (if Petitbon retires) (#49-Bob Wetoska)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On March 4, 1958, Green Bay traded John Petitbon and Doyle Nix to Washington, with a conditional 1959 fifth-round choice attached if Petitbon retired. Washington sent J.D. Kimmel and Steve Meilinger to the Packers. Petitbon did retire, so the conditional choice became part of Washington's return and was ultimately associated with No. 49 Bob Wetoska.
Washington Return
Washington acquired John Petitbon, Doyle Nix and a conditional fifth-round pick, while Green Bay received J.D. Kimmel and Steve Meilinger. Petitbon retired, activating the extra selection, but Nix contributed on defense. Kimmel started all 12 games for Green Bay in 1958 and Meilinger also played regularly. The exchange produced comparable short-term value on both sides rather than a decisive winner.
Green Bay Packers Return
Green Bay sent John Petitbon, Doyle Nix and a conditional 1959 fifth-round choice to Washington for J.D. Kimmel and Steve Meilinger. Petitbon's retirement triggered the conditional pick, while Kimmel became a 12-game starter for the 1958 Packers. Washington also received useful defensive value from Nix. Both clubs obtained short-term help without a clearly dominant return, making an even verdict appropriate.
Value in Hindsight
This is a balanced exchange built around short-term needs and a sensible retirement condition. Green Bay got more immediate snaps from Kimmel and Meilinger, while Washington received Nix plus the extra draft choice. There is not enough separation in realized value to justify forcing a winner.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Green Bay receives a B- because Kimmel and Meilinger supplied useful 1958 service. Washington also earns a B- because Nix contributed and the conditional fifth-round pick protected the club when Petitbon retired. Both sides managed the transaction reasonably well without creating a major long-term advantage.