Washington Redskins/Commanders received Ted Fritsch Jr.,…
Washington Redskins/Commanders received Ted Fritsch Jr., while Atlanta Falcons received 1977 sixth- and ninth-round picks that became Keith Jenkins and Robert Speer. Fritsch played all 60 Washington regular-season games from 1976-79 as a reserve center and long snapper, providing sustained specialist value. The hindsight grades are B+ for Washington Redskins/Commanders and C for Atlanta Falcons, producing a Washington Commanders Win verdict.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1977 sixth round pick (#161-Keith Jenkins)
- pick 1977 ninth round pick (#242-Robert Speer)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Ted Fritsch Jr.
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Washington Redskins/Commanders received Ted Fritsch Jr., while Atlanta Falcons received 1977 sixth- and ninth-round picks that became Keith Jenkins and Robert Speer. Washington acquired Fritsch during 1976 training camp and used him for four seasons, including all 60 regular-season games from 1976 through 1979 as a reserve center and long snapper. The fairest hindsight test is the actual roster service and durable asset value created by each side compared with the cost surrendered.
Washington Redskins/Commanders Return
For Washington Redskins/Commanders, the acquired return was Ted Fritsch Jr.. Contemporary reporting confirms Atlanta received future draft compensation, while later pick tracing identifies the sixth- and ninth-round selections; neither drafted return matched Fritsch's sustained specialist value. That result drives a B+ grade. The assessment rests on demonstrated playing time, later asset conversion, or immediate consideration rather than assumed value. Because this is a minor transaction, the grade stays proportional to the limited stakes.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta Falcons came away with 1977 sixth- and ninth-round picks that became Keith Jenkins and Robert Speer. The useful comparison is what the club ultimately retained from the deal, not the incoming name's apparent value on the transaction date. Regular-season snaps, a later pick, or certain cash value count when they materialized; the grade falls when the acquired piece produced little or nothing afterward. That record supports a C for this side.
Value in Hindsight
The separation between the teams is based on realized value and the scale of the cost. Fritsch played all 60 Washington regular-season games from 1976-79 as a reserve center and long snapper, providing sustained specialist value. A short-lived acquisition can still be worthwhile when the price is tiny, while a player who generates no regular-season contribution can leave the selling club ahead in an obscure deal. The available evidence is specific enough to make that comparison without overstating either side's gain.
Final Verdict
The final call is Washington Commanders Win. Washington Redskins/Commanders receives a B+, while Atlanta Falcons receives a C. Those grades reflect the verified terms, subsequent service or asset value, and the modest scale of the exchange.