The Rams acquired punter Keith English from San Diego for a…
The Rams acquired punter Keith English from San Diego for a 1991 tenth-round pick, No. 254, used on Roland Poles. English handled the Rams' punting job for all 16 games in 1990, recording 68 punts. Poles did not develop into a comparable NFL contributor. San Diego recovered a late selection, but Los Angeles received a full season from a specialist at a minimal acquisition cost.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1991 tenth round pick (#254-Roland Poles)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Keith English
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
San Diego traded punter Keith English to the Los Angeles Rams on August 28, 1990. The Chargers received a 1991 tenth-round selection, later No. 254, which they used on Roland Poles.
Los Angeles Rams Return
English stepped directly into the Rams' punting job. He appeared in all 16 games during the 1990 season and punted 68 times for 2,663 yards, an average of 39.2 yards per punt. Specialists are rarely centerpiece acquisitions, but a full season of dependable role coverage is meaningful when the acquisition cost is only a tenth-round draft choice.
San Diego Chargers Return
The Chargers recovered a future pick rather than losing English for nothing. No. 254 was extremely late in the 1991 draft, limiting the expected value from the outset. San Diego used the selection on Poles, but the choice did not turn into an NFL contribution comparable to English's immediate season with the Rams.
Value in Hindsight
This was a narrow, practical trade rather than a move with franchise-changing stakes. The Rams identified a specialist they needed and paid minimal capital to fill the job for the season. San Diego acquired a lottery-ticket selection, but that ticket did not become meaningful roster value. The outcome therefore favors the team that received actual regular-season production.
Final Verdict
The Rams earn a B and San Diego a C-. English gave Los Angeles a complete season at punter for a tenth-round price. The Chargers' draft return did not create a comparable NFL contribution, making the Rams the clear but modest winner.