Dickerson Is Unhappy, Thinks Rams Gave Up Too Much in Bid for Everett

A day after the Rams made one of their biggest trades, dealing All-Pro guard Kent Hill, defensive end William Fuller and three draft choices to the Houston Oilers for the rights to quarterback Jim Everett, the biggest Ram voiced his displeasure.

“I’m not just concerned,” running back Eric Dickerson said Friday, “I’m depressed. I’m not in the best of moods after this.

“Kent Hill was a five-time Pro Bowler,” Dickerson said. “This guy (Everett) never played in the USFL or the NFL. They didn’t give up that much to get me.”

The money it will take to sign Everett, an estimated $2.8 to $3 million for four years, also disturbs Dickerson, especially in light of his past problems with Ram management and the current holdout of wide receiver Henry Ellard.

Last season, Dickerson was a 46-day holdout and missed two regular-season games before eventually signing a two-year extension on his contract that will net him about $2.9 million through 1989.

Ellard was the Rams’ leading receiver and punt returner last season. He is holding out for a one- or two-year deal worth $400,000 annually. The Rams have offered considerably less.

“How can we sign (Everett) and not Henry?” Dickerson said. “We don’t understand it. We all know what Henry can do.”