Los Angeles Rams received 1974 ninth round pick (#213-Don…
Los Angeles Rams received 1974 ninth round pick (#213-Don Hutt / Donnie Hutt) from Washington Commanders, sending Joe Sweet the other way. Neither side ultimately received meaningful direct NFL value from the exchange: Sweet's 1974 NFL appearances came with New England, while Hutt pursued the WFL rather than becoming a Rams contributor. That makes a low-impact even verdict the most defensible hindsight result. That outcome supports a C- grade for Los Angeles Rams, and the overall verdict is Even Trade.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1974 ninth round pick (#213-Don Hutt / Donnie Hutt)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Joe Sweet
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1974-01-30, Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders completed a deal in which Los Angeles Rams received 1974 ninth round pick (#213-Don Hutt / Donnie Hutt), while Washington Commanders received Joe Sweet. The comparison centers on what each original club actually obtained from the exchange. Later moves matter only when they identify the value attached to an asset that changed hands.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Los Angeles Rams received 1974 ninth round pick (#213-Don Hutt / Donnie Hutt) from Washington Commanders, sending Joe Sweet the other way. Neither side ultimately received meaningful direct NFL value from the exchange: Sweet's 1974 NFL appearances came with New England, while Hutt pursued the WFL rather than becoming a Rams contributor. That makes a low-impact even verdict the most defensible hindsight result. That outcome supports a C- grade for Los Angeles Rams, and the overall verdict is Even Trade.
Washington Return
Washington Commanders received Joe Sweet from Los Angeles Rams, sending 1974 ninth round pick (#213-Don Hutt / Donnie Hutt) the other way. Neither side ultimately received meaningful direct NFL value from the exchange: Sweet's 1974 NFL appearances came with New England, while Hutt pursued the WFL rather than becoming a Rams contributor. That makes a low-impact even verdict the most defensible hindsight result. That outcome supports a C- grade for Washington Commanders, and the overall verdict is Even Trade.
Value in Hindsight
The draft-trade record supports Washington sending its 1974 ninth-round choice, No. 213 Don Hutt, to the Rams for Joe Sweet. Neither side ultimately received meaningful direct NFL value from the exchange: Sweet's 1974 NFL appearances came with New England, while Hutt pursued the WFL rather than becoming a Rams contributor. That makes a low-impact even verdict the most defensible hindsight result. Where one historical detail remains uncertain, the evaluation uses the strongest supported description instead of filling the gap with speculation.
Final Verdict
The final call is Even Trade. Los Angeles Rams receives C-, while Washington Commanders receives C-. Neither original club created enough separation in direct value to justify a winner, so equal grades fit the evidence. The grades remain proportional to the size and certainty of the exchange, rewarding real value while keeping a measured distinction between a clear edge and an overwhelming win.