St. Louis traded former No. 2 overall pick Jason Smith to the…
St. Louis traded former No. 2 overall pick Jason Smith to the Jets on August 27, 2012 for veteran tackle Wayne Hunter. Hunter appeared in 14 Rams games, started four and logged 334 offensive snaps as a swing tackle before being released after the season.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Wayne Hunter
New York Jets Received
- player Jason Smith
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
The Jets and Rams agreed to the straight Wayne Hunter-for-Jason Smith swap on August 27, 2012, with physicals completing the transaction shortly afterward. The legacy row uses August 29, which reflects later transaction-ledger posting rather than the agreement date reported by the clubs and league media.
St. Louis Return
Hunter filled the swing-tackle role the Rams wanted. NFL and Pro Football Reference records show 14 games and four starts in 2012, with 334 offensive snaps plus special-teams work. He was not a long-term answer and was released in March 2013, but St. Louis received meaningful depth and several starts from the exchange.
New York Return
Smith stayed active for all 16 Jets games but did not start. He worked as a reserve tackle and extra blocker after arriving from St. Louis. The Jets released him in February 2013, so their return also lasted one season and never developed into a starting role.
Hindsight Comparison
Both teams used the acquired tackle for one year, which keeps the gap modest. Hunter's four starts and larger documented offensive workload give St. Louis the stronger realized football value, while Smith's 16 appearances without a start still prevent the Jets side from being a complete loss.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams Win, narrowly. The Rams receive a C+ for extracting usable swing-tackle and starting value from Hunter; the Jets receive a C for a full season of reserve availability from Smith without a start or longer-term retention.