Green Bay sent Washington the rights to quarterback Jeff…
Green Bay sent Washington the rights to quarterback Jeff Graham and received the rights to Erik Affholter, pick No. 124 and pick No. 206. Those selections became Jeff Query and Brian Shulman. Washington's acquisition did not develop into a major quarterback payoff, while Green Bay collected multiple assets and found some usable depth. The Packers therefore earned the better return from an otherwise modest rights-and-picks transaction.
Green Bay Packers Received
- other rights to Erik Affholter
- pick 1989 5th round pick (124th overall, Jeff Query)
- pick 1989 8th round pick (206th overall, Brian Shulman)
Washington Commanders Received
- other rights to quarterback Jeff Graham
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
During the 1989 draft period, Washington acquired the rights to quarterback Jeff Graham from Green Bay. The Packers received the rights to Erik Affholter along with a fifth-round choice, No. 124, and an eighth-round choice, No. 206. Green Bay used those selections on wide receiver Jeff Query and punter Brian Shulman, giving the Packers three separate assets for one set of player rights.
Green Bay Packers Return
Green Bay sent Washington the rights to quarterback Jeff Graham and received the rights to Erik Affholter, pick No. 124 and pick No. 206. Those selections became Jeff Query and Brian Shulman. Washington's acquisition did not develop into a major quarterback payoff, while Green Bay collected multiple assets and found some usable depth. The Packers therefore earned the better return from an otherwise modest rights-and-picks transaction.
Washington Return
Washington acquired the rights to quarterback Jeff Graham from Green Bay. The Packers received the rights to Erik Affholter plus 1989 fifth- and eighth-round selections, used on Jeff Query and Brian Shulman. None of the players became a major star, but Green Bay turned one set of rights into three assets and received useful roster depth from Query. That broader return gives the Packers the stronger result.
Value in Hindsight
This trade illustrates the advantage of multiplying chances when none of the assets involved is premium. Green Bay did not hit a home run, but Query supplied legitimate NFL value and the Packers had two additional opportunities around him. Washington concentrated its return in one player whose impact was limited.
Final Verdict
Green Bay earns a B+ and Washington a C+. The Packers' broader return and Query's useful contribution provide the clear edge without turning a relatively small transaction into something larger than it was.