Washington acquired veteran running back Larry Smith from the…

The Exchange

Washington acquired running back Larry Smith from the Los Angeles Rams on May 14, 1974. The identified return to the Rams was a future fifth-round selection, ultimately 1977 No. 130 Donnie Hickman. Some transaction listings use broader wording for the draft consideration, but the strongest pick trail points to one identified fifth-round choice rather than a second additive asset. Washington Return Washington received an established veteran who could contribute immediately rather than waiting three years for a draft selection to mature. Smith had already demonstrated NFL ability before the trade, giving Washington experienced backfield depth and a known professional option. His value was not franchise-changing, but for a team seeking immediate help, the player supplied a clearer near-term benefit than a distant fifth-round lottery ticket. Los Angeles Rams Return The Rams converted a veteran into future draft capital, a reasonable roster-management decision. No. 130 in 1977 became Donnie Hickman, giving Los Angeles a concrete chance to replace or exceed Smith's value at a younger age and lower cost. The pick did not become a major long-term Rams asset, however, so the future-value strategy did not produce a result strong enough to swing the trade. Value in Hindsight The gap is modest because neither side acquired a star. Washington received the more immediate and dependable football value, while Los Angeles received a legitimate but lower-probability future selection. Once the fifth-round outcome failed to create meaningful separation, Smith's established usefulness becomes the strongest practical asset in the exchange. Final Verdict Washington earns a B- and the Rams a C+. The trade was small, but Washington received the better realized value from an experienced player while Los Angeles' future pick did not become a major contributor. Washington wins by a narrow margin.