Minnesota sent quarterback Steve Dils to the Rams in…
Minnesota sent quarterback Steve Dils to the Rams in September 1984 for a 1985 fourth-round pick, No. 106, used on Kyle Morrell. Dils appeared in 52 games for Los Angeles from 1984 through 1987 and made nine starts, while Morrell played only five NFL games with one start for Minnesota. The Rams received the more useful and durable return.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Steve Dils
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 1985 fourth round pick (#106-Kyle Morrell)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On September 18, 1984, Minnesota traded quarterback Steve Dils to the Los Angeles Rams for a 1985 fourth-round selection. The pick became No. 106, which the Vikings used on Kyle Morrell. The deal exchanged an experienced backup quarterback for future mid-round capital, giving Minnesota a development opportunity and Los Angeles immediate depth at the game's most important position.
Minnesota Vikings Return
Minnesota used the acquired fourth-round choice on Morrell, but the selection did not become a meaningful long-term return. Morrell appeared in only five NFL games and made one start for the Vikings. A fourth-round pick carries enough expectation that such a limited career is a disappointing result, even though the original decision to exchange a reserve quarterback for draft capital was reasonable.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Dils gave the Rams several seasons of usable quarterback depth. From 1984 through 1987 he appeared in 52 games for Los Angeles and made nine starts, including starts in both 1986 and 1987. He was not a franchise starter, but a multi-year reserve who can step into the lineup has clear value, especially compared with the brief career of the player selected with the outgoing pick.
Value in Hindsight
The trade looked favorable to Minnesota on paper because fourth-round capital offered upside and Dils was no longer central to the Vikings' plans. The player outcomes tell a different story. Morrell barely established an NFL role, while Dils remained on the Rams' roster for years and provided emergency starting experience. That durability is enough to flip the historical evaluation.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles wins, B to C-. The Rams obtained four seasons of quarterback depth and nine starts from Dils. Minnesota deserves some credit for extracting a fourth-round pick, but the selection's five-game return prevents that asset from carrying the deal. The verdict follows the actual football value created after the trade.