Green Bay Packers–Los Angeles Chargers Trade History

Green Bay Packers received Jacque MacKinnon. Green Bay received Jacque MacKinnon, but his stay did not produce a comparable multi-year return for the Packers. Salter's multi-year starting role and interception production create a clear realized-value gap in favor of the Chargers. That outcome supports a D grade for Green Bay Packers.

Green Bay Packers received Cal Withrow. Green Bay received Cal Withrow, who appeared in all 14 games in each of the 1971, 1972, and 1973 seasons for the Packers. Withrow's three full Packers seasons comfortably exceed the value created by the very late Chargers pick, producing a modest Green Bay win. That outcome supports a B- grade for Green Bay Packers.

San Diego acquired defensive lineman Kevin Hardy from Green Bay for its 1972 first-round choice, which the Packers used on quarterback Jerry Tagge at No. 11. Hardy started 10 games for the Chargers in 1971 and played again in 1972. Tagge lasted three Green Bay seasons, throwing three touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Neither side found a star, but San Diego received the stronger realized NFL contribution.

On 1972-04-18, Green Bay Packers received Jim Hill, while San Diego Chargers received Lionel Aldridge, 1974 third round draft choice. Green Bay's history dates the trade to April 18, 1972: the Packers sent veteran defensive end Lionel Aldridge and a 1974 third-round choice to San Diego for safety Jim Hill. Chargers histories list the transaction one day later, but the package itself is consistent. The historical outcome supports Los Angeles Chargers Win: Green Bay Packers C+, San Diego Chargers B.

San Diego acquired defensive tackle Bob Brown from Green Bay on September 5, 1974 for a 1975 third-round selection. Green Bay used the acquired pick at No. 58 on running back Willard Harrell. Harrell played three seasons for the Packers, rushing for 934 yards while adding 656 receiving yards and serving in a substantial offensive role before continuing his career in St. Louis. That balance of realized value gives the edge to Green Bay Packers.

Green Bay traded Willie Buchanon to San Diego for a 1979 seventh-round pick and a 1980 first-round pick. The first-rounder became linebacker George Cumby, who spent six seasons with the Packers, while seventh-rounder Rich Wingo also contributed. The return gave Green Bay more years of team-controlled value, producing a narrow win rather than a landslide.

San Diego sent star receiver John Jefferson to Green Bay in 1981 and received Aundra Thompson, a favorable first-round positioning arrangement, additional first- and second-round selections and another future second. The Chargers repeatedly reused those assets in later transactions, including the package that brought Wes Chandler. Jefferson remained productive for Green Bay, but San Diego created the broader and more durable roster-building return.

Green Bay Packers received 1984 twelfth round pick (#313-Lenny Taylor) in the exchange with Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers. Green Bay's twelfth-round choice became Lenny Taylor, whose receiving production was also limited and did not create a clear edge. The supported hindsight grade is C. That mark reflects realized value tied directly to this transaction, with the overall result recorded as Even Trade.

The Chargers sent Green Bay the rights to defensive back Mossy Cade and received a 1986 first-round pick plus a conditional 1987 fifth-rounder. Green Bay got some starting production from Cade, but San Diego later used the No. 14 first-round choice as the central piece of a move up to No. 8 for Leslie O'Neal, creating far greater long-term value.

Green Bay acquired defensive lineman Blaise Winter from the San Diego Chargers on April 28, 1988 for past considerations. The Packers' 1988 media guide confirms the transaction and the unspecified return. Winter then played all 16 games for Green Bay in both 1988 and 1989, recording five sacks in his first Packers season and two more in 1989 before remaining with the club through 1990.