Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals received Jeff Staggs, 1973 third…
Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals received Jeff Staggs, 1973 third round pick (#63-Terry Metcalf) in the 1972-08-12 exchange with Los Angeles Rams. St. Louis acquired linebacker Jeff Staggs and the 1973 third-round choice that became Terry Metcalf for quarterback Pete Beathard. The documented result supports a A- grade for Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals. The overall verdict is Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Win, based on realized value rather than hypothetical upside.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Jeff Staggs
- pick 1973 third round pick (#63-Terry Metcalf)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Pete Beathard
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1972-08-12, Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals received Jeff Staggs, 1973 third round pick (#63-Terry Metcalf), while Los Angeles Rams received Pete Beathard. St. Louis acquired linebacker Jeff Staggs and the 1973 third-round choice that became Terry Metcalf for quarterback Pete Beathard. The deal is judged by what each club actually realized, with downstream value assigned only where the asset trail supports it.
Arizona Cardinals Return
Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals received Jeff Staggs, 1973 third round pick (#63-Terry Metcalf) in the 1972-08-12 exchange with Los Angeles Rams. St. Louis acquired linebacker Jeff Staggs and the 1973 third-round choice that became Terry Metcalf for quarterback Pete Beathard. The documented result supports a A- grade for Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals. The overall verdict is Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Win, based on realized value rather than hypothetical upside.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Los Angeles Rams received Pete Beathard in the 1972-08-12 exchange with Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals. St. Louis acquired linebacker Jeff Staggs and the 1973 third-round choice that became Terry Metcalf for quarterback Pete Beathard. The documented result supports a D+ grade for Los Angeles Rams. The overall verdict is Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Win, based on realized value rather than hypothetical upside.
Value in Hindsight
Hindsight keeps the comparison proportional to the transaction. The research establishes the package and the meaningful post-trade outcomes well enough to compare both sides without overstating a minor deal. The balance turns on direct production, roster utility, and supported draft-asset value.
Final Verdict
The final call is Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Win. Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals receives a A-, while Los Angeles Rams receives a D+. Those grades reflect the documented package and the outcomes tied to this exchange, not speculation about what either side might have done differently.