John Hadl NFL Trade History

The Rams acquired quarterback John Hadl from the Chargers for Coy Bacon and Bob Thomas. Hadl immediately led Los Angeles to a 12-2 record in 1973 and earned NFC Player of the Year honors, then became the centerpiece of a massive five-pick trade with Green Bay in 1974.

Baltimore sent Ted Hendricks and a 1975 second-round choice to Green Bay for linebacker Tom MacLeod and the 1975 eighth-round pick that became Mario Cage. Hendricks gave the Packers only one season before leaving for Oakland, but that season was exceptional: he earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Baltimore's return did not approach that peak value, leaving Green Bay ahead despite the short tenure.

Green Bay sent first-, second- and third-round choices in 1975 plus first- and second-round choices in 1976 to Los Angeles for 34-year-old quarterback John Hadl. Hadl went 7-12 as a Packers starter across 1974 and 1975 and threw nine touchdowns against 29 interceptions in his 22 Green Bay games. The Rams used or converted the haul into Mike Fanning, Monte Jackson, Geoff Reece, Ron Jessie and Pat Thomas, with Jackson and Thomas becoming Pro Bowl defensive backs. That balance of realized value gives the edge to Los Angeles Rams.

Green Bay acquired quarterback Lynn Dickey from Houston for John Hadl, Ken Ellis, two draft choices and cash. The package was substantial, but Dickey became the Packers' primary quarterback for much of nine seasons and one of the franchise's most productive passers of his era. That sustained value makes Green Bay the winner despite the steep price.