Arizona received a conditional fifth-round selection that…
Arizona received a conditional fifth-round selection that ultimately became No. 135, Pat O'Neill. The pick carried real transaction value, but O'Neill did not become a significant NFL contributor. The Cardinals therefore realized only modest long-term football return from the exchange. That limited outcome closely matches what the Rams received from Ernie Jones and supports a balanced grade rather than a clear winner.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 1994 conditional fifth round pick (if Jones is active for at least 5 games in 1993-94) (#135- Pat O'Neill )
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Ernie Jones (Lee)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1993-08-26, Arizona Cardinals received 1994 conditional fifth round pick (if Jones is active for at least 5 games in 1993-94) (#135-Pat O'Neill), while Los Angeles Rams received Ernie Jones (Lee). The evaluation follows the football value actually created by the consideration each club controlled. When an acquired pick was later moved again, that later transaction is treated as provenance rather than automatically credited as player value from this original exchange.
Arizona Cardinals Return
Arizona received a conditional fifth-round selection that ultimately became No. 135, Pat O'Neill. The pick carried real transaction value, but O'Neill did not become a significant NFL contributor. The Cardinals therefore realized only modest long-term football return from the exchange. That limited outcome closely matches what the Rams received from Ernie Jones and supports a balanced grade rather than a clear winner.
Los Angeles Rams Return
The Rams acquired Ernie Jones, who appeared in 10 games during the 1993 season and scored two receiving touchdowns. His contribution was tangible but short-lived, and he did not develop into a durable offensive piece. Because Arizona's conditional pick also produced limited long-term value, the Rams' modest one-season return is close enough to justify an even assessment of the trade.
Value in Hindsight
The Rams received Ernie Jones, who appeared in 10 games in 1993 and scored two receiving touchdowns. Arizona received the conditional fifth-round pick that ultimately became No. 135, Pat O'Neill. Neither side generated major long-term value, and the realized returns are close enough to support an even grade. The comparison therefore emphasizes direct club service, starting responsibility, production, and the practical value of retained draft capital without inflating downstream transactions that required separate consideration.
Final Verdict
Arizona Cardinals receives a C+ and Los Angeles Rams receives a C+. The verdict is Even Trade. The grade spread reflects both the scale of the original transaction and the difference in realized football value, while avoiding exaggerated penalties for modest late-round deals.