Baltimore acquired quarterback Mark Reed from the Los Angeles…
Baltimore acquired quarterback Mark Reed from the Los Angeles Rams on August 31, 1983 in exchange for linebacker Mark Jerue. Reed appeared in only one game for the Colts that season, completing six of ten passes for 34 yards with one interception, and did not become a lasting answer at quarterback. The Colts surrendered a linebacker who went on to provide the Rams with years of useful defensive service.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Mark Reed
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Mark Jerue
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
The Rams dealt quarterback Mark Reed to Baltimore for linebacker Mark Jerue on August 31, 1983. Contemporary transaction reporting and the Colts' official history agree on the player-for-player structure. It was a straightforward roster swap made as teams reduced their rosters before the regular season.
Reed in Baltimore
Baltimore received almost no lasting quarterback value. Reed appeared in one game for the 1983 Colts, completing six of ten passes for 34 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. He did not establish himself as a starter or become a multi-season contributor, so the Colts' return was essentially a brief depth option.
Jerue With the Rams
Los Angeles got the far more durable player. Jerue remained with the Rams through 1989 and appeared in 86 regular-season games, making 27 starts. He became a full-time starter in 1986 and contributed 97 combined tackles and two interceptions that season. Even without star-level accolades, six-plus seasons of linebacker depth and starting work represent substantial value from a fringe-quarterback trade.
Comparing the Returns
The difference is longevity and role. Baltimore received one game from Reed. Los Angeles received years of roster utility from Jerue, including a season as a 16-game starter. There was no draft capital to complicate the comparison and no downstream asset chain that narrows the gap.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles Rams Win. The Rams earn an A-minus for converting a quarterback they were willing to move into a long-term defensive contributor. Baltimore receives a D because Reed barely appeared and provided no sustained return. Jerue's 86 Rams games make this one of the clearest outcomes in this group.
Mark Reed appeared in only one Baltimore game and completed six passes for 34 yards, while Mark Jerue remained with the Rams through 1989, playing 86 regular-season games and making 27 starts.