Los Angeles Rams–San Francisco 49ers Trade History

Los Angeles acquired Glenn Davis's rights and immediately received the best outcome in the deal. Davis started all 12 games in 1950, produced 1,008 scrimmage yards and seven rushing/receiving touchdowns, and earned a Pro Bowl selection. Across two Rams seasons he totaled 1,298 scrimmage yards and nine offensive touchdowns, giving Los Angeles substantial immediate production from the rights package.

San Francisco acquired tackle Bob Cross from the Rams for its 1957 third-round pick, which Los Angeles used at No. 27 on George Strugar. Cross gave the 49ers two seasons of useful line play, while Strugar appeared in 57 games with 32 starts for the Rams. Both sides received legitimate value, but Los Angeles obtained the longer-lasting contribution.

Los Angeles acquired Lou Cordileone from San Francisco in April 1962, but his Rams stay produced only two regular-season games and no starts before he moved to Pittsburgh. The 49ers received Elbert Kimbrough, who became a five-season secondary regular in San Francisco, starting 64 games from 1962 through 1966 and intercepting eight passes. The realized value separated quickly and stayed heavily in San Francisco's favor.

Los Angeles acquired defensive back Kermit Alexander and the 1970 second-round pick used on Donnie Williams from San Francisco for kicker Bruce Gossett. Alexander started all 28 Rams games over two seasons and intercepted seven passes, giving Los Angeles strong short-term value. Williams contributed little, while Gossett became San Francisco’s kicker for five seasons and made 99 field goals. The 49ers’ longer, playoff-era return earns a narrow win.

The Rams sent veteran tight end Charle Young plus 1980 third- and fourth-round picks to San Francisco for the No. 58 pick in 1980 and a 1983 third-rounder. Los Angeles used No. 58 on Jewerl Thomas, who rushed for 427 yards as a rookie, and later used the future selection in another trade. The Rams received useful value, but Young became the strongest direct contributor.

The Rams sent Wendell Tyler, veteran lineman Cody Jones and the No. 59 pick to San Francisco for picks No. 36 and No. 87 in the 1983 draft. Los Angeles used No. 36 on linebacker Mike Wilcher, who became a long-term starter and pass rusher for the Rams. Chuck Nelson was the other selection, giving Los Angeles substantial return from the package.

Los Angeles received the 71st pick in the 1986 draft and used it on quarterback Hugh Millen. San Francisco received the rights to Jeff Kemp plus picks No. 96 and No. 101, selections that became Charles Haley and Steve Wallace. Haley developed into a Hall of Fame pass rusher and Wallace into a long-term starting tackle, making this an overwhelming 49ers victory.

San Francisco moved from No. 15 to No. 7 in the 1994 first round and used the higher pick on defensive tackle Bryant Young, while the Rams collected No. 15 plus second- and third-round selections. Wayne Gandy became a long-term starter, but Young developed into a Hall of Fame cornerstone, giving San Francisco the stronger return despite the Rams' useful volume.

San Francisco sent picks 117 and 121 to the Rams to move up to No. 88 for running back Trey Sermon. Sermon rushed for 167 yards as a rookie and was waived before his second season. Los Angeles used No. 117 on defensive tackle Bobby Brown III and later moved No. 121. Brown developed into a regular contributor and starter on the Rams' defensive line. The Rams received the only lasting player value and clearly won the deal.