The Rams traded quarterback Jeff Rutledge to the Giants in…
The Rams traded quarterback Jeff Rutledge to the Giants in September 1982 for the 1983 fourth-round pick that became safety Vince Newsome. Rutledge served as a long-term Giants backup and made four starts in 1983, but Newsome developed into a major Rams contributor. He played eight seasons for Los Angeles and started 69 games there, including 32 starts across 1989 and 1990.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1983 fourth round pick (#97-Vince Newsome)
New York Giants Received
- player Jeff Rutledge
Trade Analysis
Why the Giants Added Rutledge
New York needed quarterback depth and acquired Jeff Rutledge from Los Angeles shortly before the 1982 season. The price was a 1983 fourth-round pick, eventually No. 97. Rutledge had already spent three seasons with the Rams and offered the Giants an experienced reserve behind their developing quarterback room.
What New York Received
Rutledge stayed with the Giants for seven seasons. His largest workload came in 1983, when he started four games and threw for 1,208 yards. Most of his later value came as a backup rather than as a regular starter. That kind of longevity has value, particularly at quarterback, but it remained supporting value.
How Los Angeles Used the Pick
The Rams selected defensive back Vince Newsome at No. 97 in 1983. Newsome became a durable part of their secondary, appearing in eight seasons for Los Angeles and starting 69 games. He started 16 games in both 1989 and 1990 after earlier seasons as a rotational player and spot starter.
Why the Rams Win
A fourth-round pick becoming a multi-year starting defensive back is an excellent draft outcome. Rutledge gave New York useful insurance and real service, but the Giants rarely needed him as their primary quarterback. Newsome's sustained starting role created substantially more direct value.
Final Verdict
The Rams earn an A- and the Giants a C+. New York's acquisition was defensible and produced years of dependable depth, but Los Angeles turned the compensation into a player who became a long-term starter. Newsome's 69 Rams starts create the decisive separation.