Denver acquired nose tackle Ted Washington and the 99th pick…
Denver acquired nose tackle Ted Washington and the 99th pick in the 1994 draft from San Francisco for picks No. 87 and No. 149. Washington started 15 games for Denver that season, while the Broncos soon used No. 99 in the Mike Pritchard trade. San Francisco received limited direct production from Cory Fleming and later moved No. 149. Denver gets a modest but clear edge.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Ted Washington
- pick 1994 3rd round pick (99th overall, subsequently traded to Atlanta)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1994 3rd round pick (87th overall, Cory Fleming)
- pick 1994 5th round pick (149th overall, subsequently traded to Green Bay)
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Denver added a starting-caliber interior defender on April 20, 1994, acquiring Ted Washington and the 99th overall pick from San Francisco. The 49ers received No. 87 and No. 149. This was more than a simple player-for-picks swap because Denver also received a third-round choice, giving the Broncos both immediate defensive help and a movable draft asset. San Francisco chose quantity and younger options while moving a veteran from its defensive line.
What Each Team Received
Washington started 15 games for Denver in 1994 and recorded 2.5 sacks before continuing his career elsewhere. Denver did not use No. 99 itself; four days later, that selection became part of the package sent to Atlanta for receiver Mike Pritchard and a future seventh-rounder. San Francisco used No. 87 on Cory Fleming, whose NFL role was limited, and later packaged No. 149 with other selections in the Green Bay trade that brought back No. 53.
How the Value Developed
The comparison should not give Denver all of Pritchard's value solely because No. 99 was one piece of that later trade, nor should San Francisco receive the full value of its later move with Green Bay from No. 149 alone. The cleanest direct result is Washington's full season as a Denver starter against modest production from Fleming. Denver also preserved useful draft leverage through No. 99, which strengthens its side without overstating downstream credit.
Final Verdict
Denver Broncos Win. Denver earns a B for receiving an immediate 15-game starter plus a pick that remained useful in another meaningful transaction. San Francisco earns a C+ because its draft assets had some value, but the direct player return from Fleming was limited and No. 149 needed other picks to create its later result. The trade favored Denver without becoming a major long-term steal.