Los Angeles acquired defensive end Fred Dryer from New…
Los Angeles acquired defensive end Fred Dryer from New England in 1972 for Rick Cash and a 1973 first-round pick that became Sam Cunningham. Dryer spent a decade with the Rams and developed into an elite defender, while Cunningham became New England’s longtime rushing leader and Cash supplied immediate starting work. Both clubs converted the exchange into major, durable value, making an even verdict the fairest hindsight result.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Fred Dryer
New England Patriots Received
- other Richard Cash / Rich Cash / Rick Cash / Dick Cash
- pick 1973 first round pick (#11-Sam Cunningham)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Los Angeles acquired defensive end Fred Dryer from New England on April 26, 1972. The Patriots received defensive lineman Rick Cash and the Rams’ first-round selection in the 1973 draft, pick No. 11. New England used that choice on running back Sam Cunningham. Draft-transaction records and Patriots draft histories agree on the package, making this a rare trade in which both sides can be evaluated through substantial long-term results.
What Los Angeles Received
Dryer became a decade-long Rams fixture. NFL records show him with Los Angeles from 1972 through 1981, and historical summaries credit him with 134 Rams games, high-level pass-rush production, first-team All-Pro recognition in 1974 and a Pro Bowl selection in 1975. The Rams acquired a premium defensive player who remained useful across multiple roster eras. That is an excellent return even before considering the prominence of the first-round pick they surrendered.
What New England Received
The Patriots also converted their package extremely well. Cash started 13 games in 1972 and 14 in 1973, giving New England immediate defensive-line value. More importantly, Cunningham became a nine-season Patriot and finished with 5,453 rushing yards and 43 rushing touchdowns. The Patriots Hall of Fame recognizes him as one of the franchise’s foundational running backs. New England received both short-term starting help and a long-term offensive centerpiece.
Final Verdict
This is best graded even at a high level. New England landed a franchise running back plus useful Cash seasons, while Los Angeles obtained a ten-year defensive standout with major individual honors. Declaring either team the loser discounts too much enduring value on the other side. Matching A grades recognize a genuinely productive exchange in which both organizations turned their assets into players who mattered for years.