Cincinnati acquired running back and fullback Brian Leonard…
Cincinnati acquired running back and fullback Brian Leonard from St. Louis for defensive tackle Orien Harris. Leonard became a four-year Bengals role player, contributing on third downs and catching 72 passes while averaging 4.3 yards on 53 carries through his first three Cincinnati seasons. Harris lasted only briefly with the Rams and was traded to Detroit that July. Cincinnati received the clearly more durable contribution.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- player Brian Leonard
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Orien Harris
Trade Analysis
Why Cincinnati Wanted Leonard
The Bengals acquired Brian Leonard from St. Louis in May 2009 in a straight player-for-player exchange for defensive tackle Orien Harris. Leonard had been a second-round pick two years earlier and offered a hybrid skill set as a fullback, running back and receiver. Cincinnati saw a role for him behind its primary runners and in passing situations.
What Leonard Became in Cincinnati
Leonard settled into a useful niche. He remained with the Bengals for four seasons and became a trusted third-down option because of his receiving ability and short-yardage versatility. By the spring of 2012, Cincinnati noted that he had 72 catches as a Bengal and was averaging 4.3 yards on 53 carries. His raw totals were not star-level, but the longevity and specific role mattered.
What St. Louis Received
Harris never became a Rams fixture. He joined St. Louis in May and was traded again in July, going to Detroit for receiver Ronald Curry. The Rams therefore received little direct playing value from Harris and quickly moved on. That secondary transaction did not create a long-term contributor that matched Leonard's four Cincinnati seasons.
Why This Trade Still Matters
Straight veteran swaps are easy to evaluate when one player finds a stable role and the other is moved almost immediately. Cincinnati identified a better fit and received several years of dependable situational offense.
Final Verdict
Cincinnati Bengals Win. Leonard's four-year role earns Cincinnati a B+. St. Louis receives a D because Harris never established himself there and the follow-up move did not create comparable value.