Detroit acquired running back Greg Hill from St. Louis on…
Detroit acquired running back Greg Hill from St. Louis on August 31, 1999 for fifth- and seventh-round picks in the 2000 draft. Hill gave the Lions 542 rushing yards, 77 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 14 games, starting eight times during a playoff season. St. Louis gained two future selections, but the immediate on-field return Detroit received makes the deal a modest Lions win rather than a major swing.
Detroit Lions Received
- player Greg Hill
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 2000 5th round pick (150th overall; subsequently traded)
- pick 2000 7th round pick (220th overall, Andrew Kline)
Trade Analysis
Why Detroit Added a Veteran Runner
The Lions entered 1999 needing dependable backfield help and acquired Greg Hill just before the season. Hill was a former first-round pick with several productive seasons behind him, and Detroit paid two future day-three choices rather than a premium pick. He became a meaningful part of the offense immediately, appearing in 14 games and starting eight as Detroit finished 8-8 and reached the playoffs.
What Hill Produced in Detroit
Hill rushed 144 times for 542 yards and two touchdowns, added 77 receiving yards and finished with 619 yards from scrimmage. Those numbers were not star-level, but they were substantial enough to matter for a team that needed veteran rushing production. He also made 14 appearances, so Detroit did not spend two picks for a player who vanished from the roster before contributing.
How St. Louis Viewed the Return
The Rams were building their offense around Marshall Faulk and had less need for Hill. In exchange, St. Louis received a 2000 fifth-round pick, No. 150, and a seventh-round pick, No. 220. The fifth-rounder was later traded, while the seventh became Andrew Kline. The package gave St. Louis flexible draft capital, but neither choice created an obvious football return that overwhelms Hill’s useful 1999 season.
Final Verdict
Detroit Lions Win. Detroit earns a B- because Hill supplied real rushing production and helped a playoff team for a reasonable price. St. Louis receives a C+ because collecting two future picks for a player outside its core was sensible. The Rams did not make a bad trade, but Detroit received the clearest direct value from the exchange.