Arizona traded Aeneas Williams to the Rams on April 21, 2001…
Arizona traded Aeneas Williams to the Rams on April 21, 2001 for the 54th and 123rd picks. The Cardinals used those selections on Michael Stone and Marcus Bell. Williams, already a decorated veteran, became an immediate centerpiece for St. Louis, helping the Rams reach Super Bowl XXXVI and later earning Hall of Fame induction. The draft return did not approach his post-trade impact, giving the Rams a clear win.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 2001 second round pick (#54-Michael Stone (Ahmed))
- pick 2001 fourth round pick (#123-Marcus Bell (L.))
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Aeneas Williams
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Arizona and Aeneas Williams were ready to part after ten seasons together, and the Cardinals sent the veteran defensive back to the Rams during the 2001 draft. St. Louis surrendered the 54th and 123rd selections. Arizona stayed focused on draft capital, while the Rams added an accomplished veteran to a roster built to contend immediately.
What Arizona Received
The Cardinals used No. 54 on Michael Stone and No. 123 on Marcus Bell. Those selections gave Arizona two young players in exchange for a veteran nearing his mid-30s, which made the strategy understandable. The problem in hindsight is that the acquired draft value never developed into production remotely comparable to the player who left. Neither selection became a franchise-shaping return.
What the Rams Received
Williams remained an impact defender after leaving Arizona. He joined a St. Louis team that reached Super Bowl XXXVI in his first season and continued adding to a career that ultimately earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His versatility and ball skills gave the Rams high-level veteran play rather than a short-lived stopgap. The acquisition therefore returned much more than the ordinary value of a second- and fourth-round package.
Why the Verdict Lands Here
Arizona's decision to obtain two picks for an aging star was defensible, but the actual outcomes separate the teams. Stone and Bell did not become major long-term assets. Williams continued performing at a high level for a contender and strengthened a Hall of Fame résumé.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams Win. The Rams receive an A- for acquiring a future Hall of Famer at a manageable price. Arizona receives a C- because the two draft selections failed to produce enough value to balance Williams' continued impact.