With hopes of improving the offense the Oilers won the bidding war to sign CFL star and future Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon.
The move would leave a gaping hole at running back, but it was the defense that was a greater weak spot as the Oilers finished with a 3–13 record, allowing 457 points on the season.
Despite acquiring CFL star Warren Moon at quarterback, the Oilers stumbled out of the gate, falling to 0–10 before picking up a 17–16 win on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Moon connected with tight end Chris Dressell for a touchdown, while Steelersʼ quarterback Mark Malone tossed two interceptions – one to rookie Bo Eason and the other to Willie Tullis.
They used their second round choice to draft Doug Smith out of Auburn, but he spurred the Oilers to sign with the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL.