Washington acquired quarterback Sonny Jurgensen and defensive…
Washington acquired quarterback Sonny Jurgensen and defensive back Jimmy Carr from Philadelphia for quarterback Norm Snead and defensive back Claude Crabb on March 31, 1964. Jurgensen became one of Washington's defining quarterbacks, repeatedly led the league in major passing categories and ultimately entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His star-level longevity created the largest individual return from a trade that also sent Philadelphia a legitimate long-term starter.
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player Norm Snead
- player Claude Crabb
Washington Commanders Received
- player Sonny Jurgensen
- player Jimmy Carr
Trade Analysis
What the Blockbuster Exchanged
On March 31, 1964, Philadelphia sent Sonny Jurgensen and Jimmy Carr to Washington for Norm Snead and Claude Crabb. The central exchange was quarterback for quarterback: Jurgensen, already an accomplished passer, for Snead, a younger former first-round pick. Carr and Crabb balanced the secondary portion of the package, but neither drove the historical verdict. The transaction is remembered because both quarterbacks went on to start extensively for their new clubs.
Why Philadelphia Was Not Empty-Handed
Snead gave the Eagles seven seasons and substantial starting volume. He earned Pro Bowl recognition and produced enough to make the trade defensible from Philadelphia's perspective. That is why a C is more accurate than the old F. The Eagles did not simply give away a star for nothing; they received a legitimate NFL starting quarterback who remained with the franchise through 1970.
How Jurgensen Created the Gap
Jurgensen's Washington career reached a different level. His precision passing and downfield aggression made him one of the defining quarterbacks of the 1960s. He led the league in major passing categories, earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition, and eventually entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He also became inseparable from Washington football history. Even allowing for Snead's usefulness, the best player in the trade by a wide margin was Jurgensen.
Final Verdict
Washington earns an A+ and the clear win because it acquired a Hall of Fame quarterback who became a franchise icon. Philadelphia gets a C, not an F, because Snead was a durable, credible starter and gave the Eagles years of real production. The deal was not a total collapse for Philadelphia, but the difference between a useful starting quarterback and an all-time great is enough to make Washington the decisive winner.
Jurgensen's Hall of Fame Washington career created the decisive separation.