Arizona acquired quarterback Jim Hardy from Los Angeles in…
Arizona acquired quarterback Jim Hardy from Los Angeles in September 1949, giving up its 1950 first-round choice, which became No. 9 overall Ralph Pasquariello, plus cash. Hardy became the Cardinals' regular quarterback and earned a 1950 Pro Bowl selection, while Pasquariello played only nine games for the Rams before later joining the Cardinals. That realized return gives Arizona the stronger result.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Jim Hardy
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1950 first round pick (#9-Ralph Pasquariello)
- other cash
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Los Angeles sent quarterback Jim Hardy to the Cardinals on September 8, 1949. In return, the Rams received Arizona's 1950 first-round choice and cash. The draft choice became No. 9 overall Ralph Pasquariello. The transaction record therefore gives Los Angeles a premium draft asset plus an unreported cash amount, while Arizona received a veteran quarterback who could immediately compete for the starting job.
Chicago Cardinals Return
Arizona acquired quarterback Jim Hardy from Los Angeles in September 1949, giving up its 1950 first-round choice, which became No. 9 overall Ralph Pasquariello, plus cash. Hardy became the Cardinals' regular quarterback and earned a 1950 Pro Bowl selection, while Pasquariello played only nine games for the Rams before later joining the Cardinals. That realized return gives Arizona the stronger result.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Los Angeles moved Jim Hardy for a top-10 selection in the 1950 draft and cash, a meaningful package for a quarterback who had not established himself as the Rams' long-term starter. The pick became Ralph Pasquariello, but his Rams tenure lasted only nine games and produced 31 rushing yards. With Hardy becoming a Pro Bowler in Arizona, the Rams did not convert their premium return into comparable value.
Value in Hindsight
The Rams deserve credit for obtaining a first-round choice rather than simply moving on from Hardy. A top-10 pick offered substantial upside, and an unknown cash payment adds some value that should not be ignored. But grading the realized football result points the other direction. Arizona received multiple seasons of quarterback play and a Pro Bowl year, while Los Angeles got very little lasting production from the player selected with its premium pick.
Final Verdict
Arizona Cardinals Win. The Cardinals receive an A- because Hardy became a productive starter and Pro Bowler at the position carrying the most leverage. Los Angeles receives a C: the Rams negotiated strong-looking compensation, but Pasquariello did not become a meaningful long-term Rams contributor and the unknown cash amount is not enough to erase that gap. This is a case where the return looked better on transaction day than it did after the careers unfolded.