Chicago received three seasons of useful backup quarterback…
Chicago received three seasons of useful backup quarterback play from Steve Fuller: 38 games, 11 starts, 1,823 passing yards and a 6-5 record as a fill-in starter, including three straight wins during the 1985 championship season. Los Angeles got no Rams games from Michael Harper and 51 games but only two starts from Mike Young. Fuller's greater direct impact supports Chicago Bears Win, B to C+.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Steve Fuller
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1984 eleventh round pick (#293-Michael Harper)
- pick 1985 sixth round pick (#161-Mike Young)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Chicago acquired quarterback Steve Fuller from the Rams on April 30, 1984. The Rams received Chicago's 1984 11th-round pick, No. 293, and a 1985 sixth-round pick that became No. 161. Historical draft-transaction records identify the selections as Michael Harper at 293 and Mike Young at 161. The trade can therefore be judged from three clearly identified player outcomes.
Chicago Bears Return
Fuller gave the Bears three seasons of meaningful backup-quarterback value. NFL statistics show 38 regular-season appearances and 11 starts from 1984 through 1986, with 1,823 passing yards, six passing touchdowns and nine interceptions, plus 196 rushing yards and six rushing scores. Chicago's own history credits him with a 6-5 record as a fill-in starter. During the 1985 championship season, he won three consecutive starts by a combined 104-3.
Los Angeles Rams Return
The Rams' first pick produced no Los Angeles regular-season value. Harper was drafted at No. 293 but did not play a Rams regular-season game; his later NFL production came with the Jets. The second pick was more useful. Young played four Rams seasons, appearing in 51 games with two starts. He caught 35 passes for 421 yards and four touchdowns, giving Los Angeles a durable reserve receiving piece but not a regular starter.
Value in Hindsight
Los Angeles therefore received one complete miss and one long-tenured role player. Chicago received a backup quarterback who had to start 11 times and went 6-5 in those assignments, including a three-game winning stretch for the 1985 Super Bowl champions. Young's 51 appearances keep the Rams from a poor grade, but raw games played do not outweigh Fuller's much larger role when Chicago needed its reserve quarterback on the field.
Final Verdict
Chicago Bears Win, B to C+. Fuller delivered directly useful quarterback play and contributed to a championship season. Los Angeles receives C+ for Young's four years of depth, while Harper never played a Rams regular-season game. The difference in realized contribution gives Chicago the edge.