What was the best trade in Redskins/Commanders history?

5. Bobby Mitchell

Good call adding Bobby Mitchell to the list, he was one of the greats, and we got him for what ended up being almost nothing.

I should add this probably wouldn’t have been seen as such a good trade if Ernie Davis lived to play in the pros, sad story that.
 
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Good call adding Bobby Mitchell to the list, he was one of the greats, and we got him for what ended up being almost nothing.

I should add this probably wouldn’t have been seen as such a good trade if Ernie Davis lived to play in the pros, sad story that.

According to ClutchPoints.com:

Mitchell was a member of the Cleveland Browns when Washington traded for him. They gave up a lot at the moment, sending the first overall pick in the draft (Ernie Davis) to the Browns.
Davis was a superstar talent running back, but they were afraid he was going to be asking for too much money. So they sent him off to Cleveland for Mitchell. Now, Davis was a tragic story. He passed away before he even got to play a game in the NFL. Due to that, I actually considered not even counting this. But in reality, it would not have mattered what Washington traded for Mitchell, he was a star. And he would have made this a lopsided trade almost no matter what.

Mitchell spent seven years in Washington. Not only was he a legend and one of the best players in franchise history, he made history. Mitchell was the first black player to play for Washington, and he did so while dominating on the field. The wide receiver finished his career in Washington with 393 receptions for 6,492 yards and 49 touchdowns. He also had 90 carries for 498 yards and two more touchdowns on the ground. In 1983, Mitchell was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and one-time first-team All-Pro. Mitchell is long remembered as one of the greatest players in Washington Football history. Due to that, it's easy to see how getting him would make almost any trade tilt in their favor.
 
At the time I hated this deal… but my goodness how thankful I was to eat crow… Moss was a standout for us and to be honest Coles never really did do much after the trade…

I agree. I wasn’t sure about it either at the time. I liked Coles a lot, but Moss turned out to be one of our all time best. Gave us a lot of highlights in a largely forgettable era.

I had the opportunity to meet Santana after a pre-season game in 2023. He was totally cool and accommodating, signed my son’s hat and birthday banner and took a picture with him. Could have just ignored him (and me) but he took the time to talk and was very personable. I always love it when a “celebrity” is gracious when they don’t have to be. Very cool experience.
 
Jahan Dotson for a 3rd is up there
 
How about worst, to keep the thread going.

Was it rg3?

3 first round picks for a guy we only got a year out of.
 
How about worst, to keep the thread going.

Was it rg3?

3 first round picks for a guy we only got a year out of.
In hindsight, I think it was. At the time and until he got hurt it was a high price, but similar to what Philly paid for Wentz and other mega trades up to the high first round. My nominee though might actually be Donovan McNabb. You don't trade for a quarterback Andy Reid wants to get rid of. We only lost a second, but McNabb was awful.
 
for some reason I thought wilber marshall was a trade this entire time...but he was a free agent lol. welp, I nominate wilber as one of the best free agent signings ever. one of my favorite players ever.
 
for some reason I thought wilber marshall was a trade this entire time...but he was a free agent lol. welp, I nominate wilber as one of the best free agent signings ever. one of my favorite players ever.
Hey! Start your own thread. No, seriously, start it. It could be fun.
 
Historically, I would say it's a tie between bringing Sonny and Bobby Mitchell here. Despite both of them playing in a mostly woeful era, they both became Redskin icons as well as institutions. Bobby was our Jackie Robinson and moved on to the front office. He was also a damn good player. Sonny? Incredible QB, entertaining broadcaster, and possessing a personality that justifies his nickname. I barely remember him playing, yet I cannot imagine the Redskins without him.

As for one I witnessed, I would go with the Schroeder for Lachey trade. Sad to say, we solved a QB problem and gained a player who reinforced the Hogs and helped us win our third SB.

Runner up: Oliphant for Byner. EB was a fantastic get.
 
I just happened to be perusing one of Rick Snider's paperbacks this morning, copyright 2014, and here's what he says re best trade ever...

Washington sent holdout def tackle Sean Gilbert to the Carolina Panthers in 1998 in return for two 1st round draft picks in 1999 and 2000. Those picks led to the Redskins gaining cornerback Champ Bailey, linebacker Lavar Arrington, and running back Clinton Portis. He goes on and on for a page and a half, explaining all the nuances to gaining those three players. Casserly was the mastermind behind all this, before Snyder canned him.

He says second best trade was the Jurgensen trade.

He says the third best trade was Ernie Davis for Mitchell and Jackson.

He says fourth best trade was Jay Schroeder in '88 to the LA Raiders for offensive tackle Jim Lachey
 
Not the best, but some worth mentioning:
5 now forgotten players for Kenny Houston, HoF player and the greatest safety in the team's history.
A 1st rounder to Miami for the rights to Joe Theismann, the last franchise QB we had before JD.
Looks a LOT better than 1,2, and 3rd for Brad J, or 3 1s and a 2 for RG3....
 

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