Cincinnati Bengals–Los Angeles Chargers Trade History

Cincinnati Bengals received Martin Baccaglio, while Los Angeles Chargers received cash. Martin Baccaglio remained with Cincinnati through 1970 after arriving from San Diego. That gave the Bengals multiple seasons of roster value from a cash transaction. In hindsight, that direct return supports a C+ grade for Cincinnati Bengals. The grade reflects realized football value from this exchange rather than reputation alone.

Cincinnati acquired guard-tackle Gary Kirner from San Diego on May 19, 1970 for defensive tackle Andy Rice. Kirner never played a regular-season game for the Bengals and was released before the season. Rice gave San Diego two seasons of useful work, appearing in 21 games with 10 starts across 1970 and 1971. The Chargers turned an expendable lineman into a real contributor, making this a clear San Diego win.

Cincinnati acquired veteran safety Kenny Graham from San Diego for the 1971 fifth-round pick that became Phil Asack at No. 119. Graham started five games for the Bengals in 1970 and intercepted three passes before being released in November. Asack was drafted by the Chargers but never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. Cincinnati received brief but real defensive production, enough to win a modest-value trade.

Cincinnati acquired linebacker Bob Bruggers from San Diego for veteran tackle Ernie Wright on May 9, 1972. Bruggers was released before the Bengals’ regular season and never appeared in a game for Cincinnati, while Wright returned to the Chargers and started 13 of 14 games that year. That clear difference in immediate playing value gives San Diego the hindsight edge.

Cincinnati acquired quarterback Wayne Clark from San Diego for Virgil Carter, then sent Reece Morrison as follow-up compensation after Carter signed with the World Football League instead of joining the Chargers. Clark spent the 1974 season as Cincinnati’s backup and appeared in all 14 games. Carter missed 1974 and Morrison was released, leaving the Bengals with the better realized return.

Cincinnati acquired defensive end Coy Bacon and immediately benefited from one of the greatest pass-rushing seasons in franchise history: an unofficial 22 sacks in 1976. Los Angeles, however, received Charlie Joiner, who became a Hall of Fame receiver and spent more than a decade with the Chargers. Bacon's impact was real, but Joiner's longevity and elite production give San Diego the clear historical edge.

Cincinnati traded veteran receiver Chip Myers to San Diego for the 1977 eleventh-round selection used on Joel Parrish. Parrish did not become a meaningful Bengals contributor, while Myers did not provide San Diego a lasting regular-season return. Cincinnati converted an aging veteran into a late draft opportunity, but the selection produced little realized on-field value.

Cincinnati acquired James Brooks from San Diego for Pete Johnson on May 29, 1984. Brooks became a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the most productive running backs in Bengals history, while Johnson appeared in only three games for the Chargers before finishing the season in Miami. The enormous difference in longevity and impact makes this a signature Bengals win.