In a three-team deal, Washington received running back T.J.…
In a three-team deal, Washington received running back T.J. Duckett from Atlanta, Denver received Washington's 2007 third-round and 2008 fourth-round choices, and Atlanta received wide receiver Ashley Lelie from Denver. Although Atlanta completed the player bridge, the Washington-Denver value exchange is stark: two useful draft assets went to Denver while Washington received only a small amount of one-season production.
Denver Broncos Received
- pick 2007 3rd round pick (70th overall, Ryan Harris)
- pick 2008 4th round pick (119th overall, Jack Williams)
Washington Commanders Received
- player T.J. Duckett
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
In a three-team deal, Washington received running back T.J. Duckett from Atlanta, Denver received Washington's 2007 third-round and 2008 fourth-round choices, and Atlanta received wide receiver Ashley Lelie from Denver. At the time, each club had a practical roster reason for acting, and the price was small enough or targeted enough to make the exchange understandable before the later results were known.
What the Returns Produced
Duckett was barely used in Washington, carrying 38 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns in one season before leaving the club. Denver received picks that became offensive tackle Ryan Harris and cornerback Jack Williams. Harris developed into a multiyear starter, making the Broncos' return substantially more valuable than Washington's short rental. Looking only at the names exchanged on the transaction date misses part of the story, because actual playing time, role, longevity and any later use of draft capital determine how much football value each side ultimately created.
How the Value Developed
Although Atlanta completed the player bridge, the Washington-Denver value exchange is stark: two useful draft assets went to Denver while Washington received only a small amount of one-season production. The longer view matters most here: a short burst of production can still justify a modest acquisition cost, while a draft choice can become more valuable when it is converted into a durable starter or additional selections.
Why This Trade Still Matters
This deal is a useful reminder that trade value should follow the complete return rather than stop at the first transaction line. Later pick movement, roster tenure and meaningful postseason or starting contributions all belong in the comparison. That approach gives both teams credit for what their assets actually became instead of grading only the original labels.
Final Verdict
Denver Broncos Win is the best fit. Denver Broncos earns a A-, while Washington earns a D. Those marks account for the cost paid, the direct production received, the length of each contribution and any important downstream draft value. The gap is intentionally narrow when both sides found useful returns and wider when one club received little lasting football value.