Los Angeles sent center George Burman to Washington in July…
Los Angeles sent center George Burman to Washington in July 1971 for two draft choices, one of which is traceable as the 1974 fourth-round pick that became No. 99 and Norris Weese. Burman appeared only briefly for Washington, while the Rams at least recovered multiple future assets. Because one selection remains unidentified and Weese did not become a Rams regular, Los Angeles earns only a narrow edge.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1974 fourth round pick (#99-Norris Weese)
- pick draft pick (selection not identified)
Washington Commanders Received
- player George Burman
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
The Rams traded center George Burman to Washington in July 1971 for two draft choices. Contemporary reporting described the selections as undisclosed. Later draft tracing identifies one of them as Washington's 1974 fourth-round pick, No. 99 overall, which Los Angeles used on quarterback Norris Weese. The second selection has not been reliably identified, so its eventual result should not be invented.
What Washington Got
Burman offered veteran offensive-line experience, but the Washington return was extremely short. Season records show him appearing in only one regular-season game for the club in 1971. That means Washington paid two future assets without receiving a sustained starting role or even a season of dependable depth. The acquisition may have made sense as a camp and roster move, but hindsight gives it very little realized value.
What Los Angeles Got
Los Angeles recovered two picks, which is inherently useful for a player who barely contributed after the trade. The known fourth-rounder became Weese. He did not establish an NFL career with the Rams and later found his notable playing time in Denver, so Los Angeles cannot claim his later Broncos production as direct value. The unidentified second pick also limits how strongly the Rams' return can be graded.
How the Value Separated
Neither side generated a major Rams-or-Washington success story. The separation comes from Washington spending two assets for one game of Burman while Los Angeles at least retained multiple chances to add future talent. Because the draft outcomes are incomplete and the known selection did not help the Rams much, the advantage stays small.
Final Verdict
The Rams win narrowly, C+ to C-. Washington received almost no regular-season value from Burman, while Los Angeles recovered two future selections. The incomplete second-pick trail and Weese's lack of Rams impact keep this from becoming a stronger verdict.