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
What Changed Hands
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.
Why the Value Moved
Hardy's production after the move is the key hindsight evidence. He started extensively for the Cardinals, threw for 1,636 yards and 17 touchdowns in 1950, and earned a Pro Bowl selection that season. Pasquariello's Rams return was far smaller: he appeared in nine games in 1950, carried seven times for 31 yards, and scored one rushing touchdown before spending the next two seasons with the Cardinals. The cash component is real but cannot be valued precisely from the surviving record.
How the Outcome Looks
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.