The Rams sent defensive lineman George Stanley "Stan" Johnson…
The Rams sent defensive lineman George Stanley "Stan" Johnson to Kansas City for the future third-round pick that became No. 58, Jeff Moore. Johnson played 10 games without a start for the Chiefs in 1978 and never appeared in another NFL season. Moore later played 24 games for the Rams, catching 17 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown. Los Angeles gained the slightly better, though still modest, return.
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- player George Johnson
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1979 third round pick (#58-Jeff Moore (Bernard))
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On August 27, 1978, the Rams traded defensive lineman George Stanley "Stan" Johnson to Kansas City for a future draft choice. Draft-transaction records trace that consideration to the Chiefs' 1979 third-round pick, No. 58, which the Rams used on Jeff Moore. Resolving the future pick to its actual selection makes the comparison concrete instead of leaving the Rams' return as generic draft capital.
Kansas City Chiefs Return
Kansas City's player return was short-lived. Pro Football Reference identifies George Stanley Johnson, commonly listed as Stan Johnson, as a 1978 second-round Rams pick who played 10 games for the Chiefs that season with no starts. Those were the only regular-season games of his NFL career. Kansas City therefore received some roster depth but no sustained starting value or multi-year contribution. A C grade fits a player who appeared in 10 games and then exited the league.
Los Angeles Rams Return
The Rams turned the acquired third-rounder into Jeff Moore at No. 58. NFL records credit Moore with 14 games in 1980 and 10 in 1981, totaling 17 receptions for 273 yards and one touchdown. He did not start a game, so this was also a limited return. Still, 24 games and measurable receiving production over two seasons exceed what Kansas City realized from Johnson. Los Angeles earns C+ rather than a stronger grade because Moore remained a depth receiver rather than a core starter.
Value in Hindsight
In hindsight, neither club unearthed a major asset. The important difference is that the Rams' future pick can be traced to Moore and his actual Los Angeles production, while Johnson's Kansas City tenure ended after 10 non-starts in 1978. This is a narrow win, not a blockbuster. The grades stay in the C range because both outcomes were modest; the verdict simply recognizes that the Rams extracted more usable football value from the transaction.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles Rams Win. The Rams receive C+ for Moore's 24 games, 17 catches, 273 yards and one touchdown. Kansas City receives C for Johnson's 10 games and zero starts before his NFL career ended. The resolved pick provenance creates enough separation for a Rams win, but the limited roles on both sides keep the grades conservative.