Washington acquired Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Robinson…
Washington acquired Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Robinson from Green Bay for a 1975 second-round pick. Robinson started all 28 games across his two Washington seasons and intercepted six passes, including a touchdown. Green Bay used the pick on Bill Bain, who played one Packers season before being traded again. Both sides preserved value, but Washington received the stronger direct return.
Green Bay Packers Received
- pick 1975 second round pick (#47-Bill Bain)
Washington Commanders Received
- player (Richard) Dave Robinson
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On January 30, 1973, Green Bay traded linebacker Dave Robinson to Washington for a future second-round selection in the 1975 draft. The Packers used the pick, No. 47 overall, on offensive lineman Bill Bain. Green Bay's own Robinson history and draft records connect the pick directly to the trade, allowing the later Bain outcome to be separated from Robinson's Washington contribution.
Washington Return
Robinson gave Washington two complete seasons at linebacker. He started all 14 games in both 1973 and 1974 and intercepted six passes across those seasons, including four in 1973 with one returned for a touchdown. He was near the end of a Hall of Fame career, but Washington still received 28 starts and meaningful defensive production. That immediate certainty was the reason to trade future capital for a veteran.
Green Bay Return
Bain played all 14 games for Green Bay as a rookie in 1975 and made three starts. The Packers then traded him to Denver in 1976 for a 1977 third-round pick, No. 74, which they used on Rick Scribner. Scribner did not become a regular-season contributor, so Green Bay's chain produced one season of Bain plus another draft opportunity rather than the full value of Bain's later long NFL career with other clubs.
Final Verdict
Washington wins narrowly. Robinson's 28 starts and six interceptions outweigh Green Bay's one season of Bain and the later third-round conversion, but the Packers did preserve meaningful asset value. B+ for Washington and B- for Green Bay captures a useful return on both sides with a modest Washington edge.