The courts ruled in favor of the NFLPA and a new form of free agency was briefly instituted in 1975. After playing out his contract, Jessie was signed by the Los Angeles Rams, but then commissioner Pete Rozelle mandated the team to send the Lions their number one draft choice (#8-Dennis Lick) along with Cullen Bryant as compensation.
The courts favored the NFLPA and temporarily allowed free agency in 1975. After Jessie completed his contract, he was signed by the Los Angeles Rams, but commissioner Pete Rozelle mandated that the team provide the Lions their first draft pick (#8-Dennis Lick) along with Cullen Bryant as compensation.