The Raiders sent Malcolm Barnwell to Washington on August 26,…
The Raiders sent Malcolm Barnwell to Washington on August 26, 1985 for a 1986 second-round pick, No. 48 overall. Barnwell’s Washington stint produced only seven games, two starts and three receptions for 28 yards. Converting a player who barely contributed for his new club into a premium second-round selection gave the Raiders the clearly stronger side of the exchange.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- pick 1986 second round pick (#48-Alonzo Johnson (Al))
Washington Commanders Received
- player Malcolm Barnwell
Trade Analysis
Why Washington Added Barnwell
Washington traded a 1986 second-round pick to the Raiders for Malcolm Barnwell on August 26, 1985. The move was designed to add experienced receiving help before the season. Barnwell had already shown he could contribute in the league, so the Redskins were paying for a player they expected to help immediately rather than waiting on a future prospect.
What Barnwell Delivered
The expected return never developed. Barnwell played only seven games for Washington, started two and caught three passes for 28 yards. That is extremely limited production for the cost of a second-round selection. A veteran acquisition does not need to last for years to justify its price, but it must create enough short-term value to compensate for the lost draft opportunity. This one did not.
What the Raiders Received
The Raiders obtained Washington’s 1986 second-round pick, No. 48 overall. The selection became linebacker Alonzo Johnson. Even without treating Johnson as a franchise-changing outcome, controlling a top-50 pick was a substantial return for a player whose Washington contribution proved minimal. The value gap is driven as much by Barnwell’s lack of production as by the identity of the selected player.
How the Value Settled
Washington took the greater risk and received almost no return. The Raiders moved a veteran and gained a meaningful draft asset that could be deployed on a young player. The difference between a premium selection and seven games of limited receiving work is too large to call even.
Final Verdict
The Raiders earn a B+ and Washington a D+. Barnwell never delivered the immediate impact needed to justify the cost, while the Raiders secured the No. 48 selection. This is an Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders Win.