Denver acquired veteran running back Lawrence McCutcheon from…
Denver acquired veteran running back Lawrence McCutcheon from the Rams in April 1980 for a 1982 third-round selection, later No. 77. McCutcheon appeared in only six games for the Broncos, made no starts and was released during the season. Los Angeles retained the future third-round asset and later used it in another transaction. With Denver receiving very little on-field value, the Rams hold the clear advantage.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Lawrence McCutcheon
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1982 third round pick (#77-Robert Abraham)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Denver bought veteran experience at running back when it acquired Lawrence McCutcheon, one of the Rams' most productive runners of the 1970s. Los Angeles accepted a future third-round pick rather than keeping an aging player whose role had diminished. The price was meaningful enough that Denver needed more than a brief cameo for the exchange to work in its favor.
What Denver Received
McCutcheon's Broncos tenure was short. Player records show six appearances in 1980, no starts and a release in October. His earlier Rams career was excellent, but trade value is measured by what Denver received after the exchange, not by what he had already accomplished in Los Angeles. Six games without a starting role left the Broncos with little return for a future third-round selection.
What the Rams Received
Los Angeles obtained the 1982 third-round pick that became No. 77. Draft-trade records show that the selection retained value and later became part of another Rams transaction. The Rams do not receive full credit for every later asset produced by that package, but the ability to reuse a third-round choice is materially better than losing the asset entirely.
How the Value Developed
The contrast became clear within months. Denver's player return ended before the 1980 season was over, while Los Angeles still possessed a future draft asset. Because the Rams had to wait two years to realize the pick and because the selection was not itself a franchise-changing return, the grade should remain moderate rather than dramatic.
Final Verdict
The Rams earn a B- and Denver a D+. Los Angeles turned a declining veteran role into a useful future third-round asset; Denver received only six games and no starts from McCutcheon. The duration and retained value make this a straightforward Rams win.