St. Louis acquired punter John Baker from Indianapolis for a…
St. Louis acquired punter John Baker from Indianapolis for a 2002 sixth-round pick. Baker became the Rams’ punter for the 2000 and 2001 seasons, appearing in 31 games and handling 86 punts, including the season that ended in Super Bowl XXXVI. Indianapolis used pick No. 204 on running back Brian Allen, who played only four NFL games. Two seasons of starting specialist value gives St. Louis the win.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 2002 6th round pick (204th overall, Brian Allen )
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player John Baker
Trade Analysis
Why St. Louis Wanted John Baker
The Rams were coming off a Super Bowl championship and used a future sixth-round pick to acquire punter John Baker from Indianapolis. For a contender, the appeal was straightforward: secure an immediate specialist rather than devote roster uncertainty to the position. Baker became the Rams’ primary punter in both 2000 and 2001, appearing in 31 games and recording 86 punts. He remained in that role through the 2001 season that ended with St. Louis reaching Super Bowl XXXVI.
What Indianapolis Received Later
Indianapolis waited until the 2002 draft to use the sixth-round selection, No. 204 overall, on Stanford running back Brian Allen. Allen reached the league but appeared in only four NFL games and did not establish a meaningful role for the Colts. That is a common outcome for a late sixth-rounder, yet it means Indianapolis did not convert the future asset into comparable value to the starter it sent away.
How the Competitive Window Matters
Baker was not an elite punter, but the Rams received two seasons of dependable, immediate use at a specialized position while competing for championships. Indianapolis accepted delayed draft capital and ultimately received almost no regular-season production. Because the compensation was modest, the Colts’ decision was not disastrous; the pick simply failed to develop. St. Louis obtained exactly the kind of short-term certainty a contender can reasonably seek.
Final Verdict
St. Louis Rams Win. The Rams earn a B for acquiring two seasons of starting punter work for a future sixth-round pick. Indianapolis receives a D+ because Brian Allen appeared in only four NFL games. This was never a franchise-changing transaction, but the Rams converted a low-cost asset into real playing time while the Colts’ return barely reached the field.