Washington acquired Rosey Taylor plus San Francisco’s 1973…
Washington acquired Rosey Taylor plus San Francisco’s 1973 third- and fourth-round picks, while the 49ers received Washington’s 1974 second-rounder and 1975 third-rounder. Taylor helped Washington reach Super Bowl VII, but San Francisco turned the future picks into Delvin Williams and Steve Mike-Mayer. Williams became a Pro Bowl 1,200-yard rusher for the 49ers, giving San Francisco the stronger long-term return.
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1974 second round pick (#49-Delvin Williams)
- pick 1975 third round pick (#72-Steve Mike-Mayer)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Roosevelt "Rosey" Taylor
- pick 1973 third round pick (#70-John Wood)
- pick 1973 fourth round pick (#97-Bill Singletary)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
The May 12, 1972 trade was larger than the older row showed. San Francisco sent safety Rosey Taylor plus its 1973 third- and fourth-round choices to Washington. In return, the 49ers received Washington’s 1974 second-round selection and 1975 third-round selection. The latter piece is important because leaving it out materially understates San Francisco’s return.
What Washington Received
Taylor supplied immediate value. He started throughout the 1972 season for a Washington team that reached Super Bowl VII, making him more than a throw-in. Washington also received two 1973 choices, giving the club additional draft flexibility. For a contender prioritizing the present, the package made competitive sense and produced a real short-term payoff.
What San Francisco Received
The 49ers converted the 1974 second-rounder into Delvin Williams at No. 49 and the 1975 third-rounder into Steve Mike-Mayer at No. 72. Williams became the key return. He developed into a productive San Francisco runner and broke through for 1,203 rushing yards and a Pro Bowl selection in 1976. Mike-Mayer also spent time with the 49ers, adding another realized piece to the package. San Francisco’s return therefore combined both quantity and peak quality, while Washington’s strongest benefit was concentrated in Taylor’s immediate 1972 contribution.
Final Verdict
Washington deserves a solid grade because Taylor helped a Super Bowl team immediately, but San Francisco ultimately collected more durable football value. Williams’ peak season and multi-year contribution outweigh a one-season veteran boost, especially once the previously missing 1975 third-round pick is restored. San Francisco earns B+ and Washington B, flipping the older verdict while still recognizing that Washington’s win-now logic worked in the short term.