Detroit traded tight end Pat Carter to the Los Angeles Rams…
Detroit traded tight end Pat Carter to the Los Angeles Rams in August 1989 for a 1990 fourth-round pick that became No. 105 Chris Oldham. Oldham played one season for Detroit, while Carter spent multiple seasons with the Rams and eventually became a regular starter. The Rams received substantially more sustained team value from the direct exchange.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 1990 fourth round pick (#105-Chris Oldham)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Pat Carter
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Detroit moved Pat Carter to the Rams on August 18, 1989 for a 1990 fourth-round choice. Detroit used No. 105 on defensive back Chris Oldham. The trade exchanged an established young tight end for a mid-round draft opportunity, giving Detroit a chance to reset the roster while Los Angeles added a player who could fill several offensive roles. Detroit Lions Return Oldham played all 16 games for Detroit as a rookie and intercepted one pass, so the Lions received some immediate value. His Detroit tenure ended after that season, however, and most of his long NFL career came elsewhere. For purposes of this trade, Detroit converted Carter into one year of depth rather than a lasting fourth-round success. Los Angeles Rams Return Carter gave the Rams much more continuity. He played every game in 1989 and 1990, then grew into a larger offensive role, starting five games in 1991, all 16 in 1992, and ten more in 1993. He caught passes, scored touchdowns, and provided run-game value across several seasons. That extended service is exactly what Los Angeles hoped to buy. Value in Hindsight The fourth-round pick was legitimate compensation, but terminal career totals can be misleading because Oldham's later success did not occur in Detroit. Carter's value, by contrast, was realized directly by the Rams for years. The trade therefore rewards the team that actually received and retained the productive contributor, rather than the team whose drafted player later succeeded elsewhere. Final Verdict Los Angeles earns a B+ and Detroit a C. The Lions got one useful rookie season from Oldham, but the Rams received several seasons and growing starting value from Carter. The difference in direct team tenure and production makes this a clear Rams win in hindsight.