Los Angeles acquired the rights to quarterback Jim Everett…
Los Angeles acquired the rights to quarterback Jim Everett from Houston in September 1986 for Kent Hill, William Fuller and a package of premium future picks. Everett became the Rams' long-term starter and produced some of the franchise's best passing seasons of the era. Houston received immediate veteran help and substantial draft capital, creating meaningful value on both sides.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- other rights to Jim Everett
Tennessee Titans Received
- player Kent Hill
- player William Fuller
- pick 1987 first round pick (#20-Haywood Jeffires)
- pick 1987 fifth round pick (#133-Spencer Tillman)
- pick 1988 first round pick (#9-Terry McDaniel)
Trade Analysis
The Rams made a franchise-level bet when they acquired Jim Everett's rights from Houston in September 1986. The price was enormous: veteran guard Kent Hill, defensive end William Fuller, first-round selections in 1987 and 1988, and a 1987 fifth-round choice. Rams and Titans historical materials support the size of the package, while contemporary reporting shows Los Angeles was determined to solve its quarterback position.
Everett justified much of that risk. He became the Rams' long-term starter, topped 4,000 passing yards in 1989 and threw 31 touchdowns in 1988. Los Angeles reached the postseason with him and received years of high-volume quarterback play. A team searching for a durable starter at the sport's most important position could reasonably view that as a successful use of premium assets.
Houston also converted the deal into serious value. Fuller became a high-level pass rusher, and the draft package included the 1987 first-round choice tied to Haywood Jeffires, who developed into a productive Oilers receiver. The remaining selections added further roster flexibility. The Oilers did not simply collect picks; they turned the package into players who helped the team.
Because Everett gave Los Angeles a legitimate starting quarterback and Houston received a deep, productive return, forcing a loser understates the transaction. Both teams assumed different kinds of risk and both were rewarded. A- grades and an Even Trade verdict reflect a rare blockbuster in which the quarterback acquisition and the compensation package each produced substantial football value.
The grades also avoid crediting Houston with every later player attached to picks after subsequent movement. Even on the direct, supportable outcomes, the Oilers received enough productive talent and draft leverage to match the value Los Angeles found at quarterback.