Los Angeles Chargers
Trade grades, verdicts, asset movement, and historical context for Los Angeles Chargers franchise trades.
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Los Angeles Chargers
Seattle acquired rookie cornerback Avery Smith from the Chargers for a 2027 sixth-round pick on August 30, 2026, pending physicals. Smith was an undrafted rookie who impressed during the preseason and made Seattle’s initial roster, giving the Seahawks a young system fit at nickel and outside corner. The Chargers still win the first valuation because turning an undrafted rookie into a sixth-round pick before he plays a regular-season snap is exceptional asset conversion.
Carolina acquired defensive tackle TeRah Edwards from the Chargers for a 2028 sixth-round pick on August 30, 2026, pending physicals when the teams announced the deal. Edwards had not appeared in a regular-season game but produced a strong 2026 preseason and gave the Panthers another young interior defender. The price is meaningful for an unproven player, so Carolina gets credit for addressing depth while accepting real projection risk.
Houston Texans received 2026 4th round pick (123rd overall, Wade Woodaz) and 2026 6th round pick (204th overall, Lewis Bond) in the 2026-04-25 exchange with Los Angeles Chargers. Wade Woodaz and Lewis Bond likewise remain at the beginning of their NFL careers, so Houston's return is still unresolved in performance terms. The direct package, rather than later movement of any acquired asset, is the basis for the hindsight judgment. Against what Houston Texans surrendered, the result supports Even Trade.
Los Angeles moved down from No. 55 to No. 63 in the 2026 draft and added Nos. 131 and 202. Those selections became Jake Slaughter, Genesis Smith and Logan Taylor, while New England used No. 55 on Gabe Jacas. The Chargers gained three swings for one, but none of the players has completed an NFL regular season, leaving the long-term result appropriately even for now.
Cleveland moved up to No. 86 in the 2026 draft and selected Austin Barber, sending the Chargers Nos. 105, 145 and 206. Los Angeles used those picks on Brenen Thompson, Nick Barrett and Alex Harkey. The Browns concentrated three later selections into one third-round target, while the Chargers chose volume. With no completed NFL season from the class, an Even Trade remains the sound result.
Los Angeles Chargers received Trevor Penning in the exchange with New Orleans Saints. Trevor Penning gave Los Angeles immediate offensive-line depth and starts after the 2025 trade, so the Chargers have already realized usable player value. Against New Orleans Saints' return of a 2027 6th round pick, that outcome supports a C+ grade. The transaction is judged as Even Trade, with the mark based on the football value that actually followed from the deal.
Los Angeles acquired edge rusher Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round selection from Baltimore for safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick. Oweh produced 7.5 sacks in 12 games for the Chargers, supplying immediate pressure at a premium defensive position. Baltimore received Gilman and used pick No. 162 on Chandler Rivers, preserving two roster assets in the exchange.
Houston moved Austin Deculus to Los Angeles for a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick that ultimately conveyed. Deculus gave the Chargers 13 games and five starts in 2025, then departed for Tennessee in free agency. Houston now owns a real seventh-round asset, but its football outcome cannot be judged before the 2027 draft. With tangible but limited value on one side and unresolved future value on the other, the deal remains even for now.
Los Angeles moved up for Oronde Gadsden II and received immediate offensive production. As a rookie, Gadsden caught 49 passes for 664 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games, including seven starts. That early contribution established meaningful value quickly and gives the Chargers a substantial advantage over Philadelphia's two acquired selections, whose players did not produce comparable Eagles regular-season impact.
The Chargers acquired Elijah Molden from Tennessee for a 2026 seventh-round pick and immediately received starter-level value. Molden started 12 games in 2024, intercepted three passes, recovered two fumbles and became part of the league's stingiest scoring defense before earning a multi-year extension. Tennessee gained late-round capital, but Los Angeles turned a minimal price into a durable secondary piece.
Atlanta Falcons received 2025 7th round pick (218th overall, Jack Nelson) from Los Angeles Chargers, sending Taylor Heinicke the other way. Heinicke supplied limited backup snaps and Nelson's early return is modest, so the trade is best treated as roughly even. That outcome supports a C+ grade for Atlanta Falcons, and the overall verdict is Even Trade.
Los Angeles moved up three spots in the 2024 second round for Ladd McConkey and also received fifth-round cornerback Tarheeb Still, while New England took Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. McConkey has produced 1,938 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns through two seasons, and Still has become a regular starter with four career interceptions. The Patriots’ two receivers have not approached that impact, making this a clear Chargers win.
Chicago Bears received Keenan Allen in the 2024-03-14 exchange, while San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers received 2024 4th round pick (110th overall subsequently traded, Javon Baker). Chicago acquired Keenan Allen and immediately added a proven receiving option. Allen gave the Bears direct veteran value from the trade, which is more than the Chargers ultimately realized from the original fourth-round asset in their own roster.
Los Angeles Chargers received 2025 6th round pick (181st overall; subsequently traded by Los Angeles) in the 2023-10-04 exchange with New England Patriots. Los Angeles moved on from an expensive cornerback situation and gained the better 2025 draft position, creating a modest practical benefit despite dead money. The direct return and the football value it produced drive the hindsight judgment. Against the assets Los Angeles Chargers surrendered, the result supports Los Angeles Chargers Win and a B- grade for Los Angeles Chargers.
Cleveland Browns received Dustin Hopkins from Los Angeles Chargers. Hopkins immediately became Cleveland's starting kicker and delivered a productive 2023 season, solving a position the Browns needed to stabilize. The A- grade reflects the direct value Cleveland Browns realized from the transaction, with the final Cleveland Browns Win call based on actual service and clearly traceable draft outcomes rather than projected value.
Chicago received the final two selections of the 2022 draft and used them on Elijah Hicks and Trenton Gill. Hicks became a useful defensive back and special-teams contributor, while Gill handled punting duties before his Bears tenure ended. Getting two players who produced real NFL service from a future sixth gives Chicago the slightly stronger combined return.
The Chargers acquired Khalil Mack from Chicago for a 2022 second-round pick and a 2023 sixth-rounder. Mack delivered multiple seasons of high-end edge play in Los Angeles, including a major 2023 pass-rushing season. Chicago used the second-round selection on safety Jaquan Brisker, who immediately became a full-time starter, leaving both organizations with substantial direct value from very different roster-building approaches.
Los Angeles traded Desmond King to Tennessee for the 2021 sixth-round pick later used on Nick Niemann. King helped the Titans only for the remainder of 2020 before leaving, while Niemann gave the Chargers four seasons of regular special-teams service. The pick produced the longer club return, so Los Angeles earns the moderate hindsight win.
The Chargers traded picks 37 and 71 to New England for No. 23 in the 2020 draft and selected linebacker Kenneth Murray. Murray became a multi-year starter, but Los Angeles declined his fifth-year option and he left after four seasons. New England selected safety Kyle Dugger at 37 and later moved pick 71. Dugger became a long-term defensive playmaker and earned a four-year extension, giving the Patriots the better return.
Carolina and the Chargers agreed on a straight Russell Okung-for-Trai Turner swap on March 4, 2020, with the move processed when the league year opened on March 18. Both veterans provided limited one-season value for their new clubs. Neither side created a durable advantage, so the fairest hindsight result is an even trade with matching lower grades.
Los Angeles Chargers
Chicago acquired Dontrelle Inman for a conditional 2018 seventh-round pick tied to his receiving production. Inman caught 23 passes for 334 yards and a touchdown for the Bears in 2017, falling short of the reported 25-reception threshold. The condition therefore did not produce a pick for Los Angeles. Chicago received eight games of useful receiver production without surrendering the draft asset, while the Chargers received no realized return from the condition.
Buffalo Bills received conditional 2019 seventh-round pick (not conveyed) from Los Angeles Chargers. Buffalo's return was a conditional 2019 seventh-round choice, but the condition was not met and no pick was conveyed. The Bills therefore received no usable draft asset from the exchange. That outcome supports a D grade for Buffalo Bills. The final verdict is Even Trade, based on the football value the club actually realized from the assets it controlled after the exchange.
Minnesota acquired offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles from San Diego in September 2015 for a 2016 sixth-round pick. Sirles became useful swing-line depth and started 14 games for Minnesota across 2016 and 2017. The Chargers used the pick at No. 198 on Derek Watt, a durable fullback and special-teams contributor. Both teams received an NFL player, but Sirles filled a more immediate and valuable Minnesota need.
San Francisco moved from No. 15 to No. 17 in the 2015 first round and received No. 117 plus a 2016 fifth-rounder, later No. 142. The 49ers selected Arik Armstead, Blake Bell and Ronald Blair; San Diego took Melvin Gordon at No. 15. Both clubs found useful players, but San Francisco's extra capital and Armstead's longevity create the better package.
Los Angeles Chargers received 2014 2nd round pick (50th overall, Jeremiah Attaochu). The Chargers received No. 50 and selected Jeremiah Attaochu, who played 38 regular-season games with 13 starts for the club from 2014 through 2017. Miami's converted No. 57 value plus Walt Aikens substantially exceeds Attaochu's useful but limited Chargers tenure, supporting the existing same-transaction Miami win. That outcome supports a C+ grade for Los Angeles Chargers.
San Diego moved up seven spots in the 2013 second round to select linebacker Manti Te'o at No. 38, sending Arizona Nos. 45 and 110. The Cardinals stayed in the same round and selected Kevin Minter at No. 45, then later moved the No. 110 choice. Te'o gave the Chargers useful defensive snaps, but Arizona kept comparable player value while adding another tradable pick.
Miami traded pick No. 73 to San Diego for Nos. 78 and 183. The Dolphins selected tight end Michael Egnew and receiver B.J. Cunningham; Egnew caught only seven NFL passes and Cunningham never became a Miami regular-season contributor. The Chargers used No. 73 on safety Brandon Taylor, whose career was derailed by knee injuries after only four defensive appearances. With all three selections producing very little, the trade finishes essentially even.
Dallas recovered a 2011 seventh-round pick for a veteran receiver it was willing to move and selected Shaun Chapas at No. 220. The asset recovery was sensible, but the player outcome was limited. The grade remains tied to documented value for the acquiring club, without assigning credit for unresolved or hypothetical downstream consideration.
Los Angeles Chargers received 2010 5th round pick (146th overall, Cam Thomas) in the 2010-04-24 exchange with Philadelphia Eagles. Cam Thomas became a durable interior defensive lineman and gave San Diego several seasons of useful work, so the Chargers did receive a legitimate player from the move up. The direct return and the football value it produced drive the hindsight judgment. Against the assets Los Angeles Chargers surrendered, the result supports Philadelphia Eagles Win and a C grade for Los Angeles Chargers.
San Francisco traded pick No. 79 to San Diego for Nos. 91 and 173 plus a 2011 fourth-rounder. The 49ers selected NaVorro Bowman, Anthony Dixon and Kendall Hunter. Bowman became a three-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro, anchoring an elite defense. The Chargers selected Donald Butler, a useful multi-year starting linebacker, but even a solid return could not approach Bowman's impact.
San Diego made a major move up to No. 12 for running back Ryan Mathews while also receiving picks No. 110 and No. 173. Miami moved down to No. 28, added No. 40 and No. 126, and received linebacker Tim Dobbins. Mathews produced two 1,000-yard seasons for the Chargers, while Jared Odrick and Koa Misi became multiyear Miami defenders. Darrell Stuckey added Pro Bowl special-teams value, leaving both sides with substantial returns.
Seattle paid the 40th pick and a 2011 third-rounder to San Diego for quarterback Charlie Whitehurst and pick No. 60. The Chargers ultimately tied the incoming capital to Koa Misi and Shareece Wright, while Seattle used No. 60 on Golden Tate. Tate became the best individual player connected to the exchange, but Whitehurst never solved Seattle's quarterback need, and the extra third-round cost gives the Chargers the stronger total return.
The Jets acquired Antonio Cromartie from the Chargers for a conditional 2011 pick that ultimately escalated to a second-round selection, No. 61, used on Jonas Mouton. Cromartie became an important starting corner in New York, while Mouton’s Chargers career produced little regular-season value. The final draft compensation makes San Diego’s return more substantial on paper, but the realized outcome still gives the Jets a clear win.
Los Angeles Chargers
Houston Texans received 2010 6th round pick (197th overall, Trindon Holliday). Houston received a 2010 sixth-round pick that became No. 197 Trindon Holliday, giving the Texans a later draft asset from the exchange. That result supports a C+ for Houston Texans. The overall comparison favors Los Angeles Chargers, leaving Houston Texans on the weaker side of the exchange. The grade reflects the realized player service and draft value tied directly to this transaction, without assigning extra credit for outcomes that cannot be traced confidently to the exchanged assets.
Los Angeles Chargers received 2008 3rd round pick (69th overall, Jacob Hester) in the 2008-04-27 exchange with New England Patriots. Jacob Hester became a useful role player for San Diego, but the cost included meaningful future draft capital. The direct package, rather than later movement of any acquired asset, is the basis for the hindsight judgment. Against what Los Angeles Chargers surrendered, the result supports New England Patriots Win.
Miami traded wide receiver Chris Chambers to the Chargers on October 16, 2007 for a 2008 second-round draft choice. That selection became No. 57 overall, which Miami used on quarterback Chad Henne.
San Diego traded four selections to Chicago to move from No. 62 to No. 37 in the 2007 draft for safety Eric Weddle. Weddle became a six-time Pro Bowler, earned multiple All-Pro honors and started 122 games for the Chargers. Chicago used the package on Dan Bazuin, Garrett Wolfe, Kevin Payne and Marcus Harrison, but none developed into a comparable long-term starter. The Chargers won emphatically.
San Diego acquired veteran quarterback Billy Volek from Tennessee for a conditional 2007 sixth-round selection that ultimately became pick 204, where the Titans selected defensive end Jacob Ford. The Chargers received dependable quarterback insurance plus a memorable postseason contribution, while the Titans turned a surplus player into several seasons of defensive production.
Los Angeles Chargers received Brandon Manumaleuna. San Diego received Brandon Manumaleuna, who became a multi-year blocking tight end and filled a useful role for the Chargers. That result supports a C+ for Los Angeles Chargers. The overall comparison favors Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, leaving Los Angeles Chargers on the weaker side of the exchange. The grade reflects the realized player service and draft value tied directly to this transaction, without assigning extra credit for outcomes that cannot be traced confidently to the exchanged assets.
The Chargers received Rashaun Woods in the April 2006 swap but never got regular-season production from him. Woods was released before the season, so San Diego effectively gave up Sammy Davis without receiving a player who helped in games. That complete absence of realized value drives a D grade despite the modest scale of the transaction.
San Diego sent developmental quarterback Cleo Lemon to Miami and received A.J. Feeley plus a 2006 sixth-round pick, later used on Kurt Smith. Feeley never became important to the Chargers and Smith did not produce lasting value, so the return was modest. Still, San Diego extracted two assets from a third-string quarterback while Miami received only eight eventual starts from Lemon.
Minnesota acquired guard Tonio Fonoti from the Chargers on October 18, 2005, for a 2006 seventh-round pick that became No. 227, Jimmy Martin. Fonoti's Vikings tenure amounted to one game and one start before injuries ended the experiment. The Chargers at least converted a player they were moving on from into a defined draft selection, giving them the better result.
San Diego acquired Keenan McCardell from Tampa Bay during the 2004 season for 2005 third- and sixth-round picks. McCardell immediately strengthened a rising Chargers offense and followed with a 917-yard, nine-touchdown season in 2005. Tampa Bay used the third-rounder on Chris Colmer and later traded the sixth-rounder for quarterback Luke McCown. The Buccaneers recovered some value, but McCardell’s production made San Diego the clear winner.
San Diego acquired veteran left tackle Roman Oben from Tampa Bay in June 2004 for a 2005 fifth-round pick. Oben became an immediate starter on a Chargers team that surged into contention and remained an important offensive lineman into the following seasons. Tampa Bay later traded the acquired pick for Nos. 155 and 231, selecting Larry Brackins and Hamza Abdullah. The extra choices offered some value, but Oben’s starting impact gives San Diego the win.
The Eli Manning-Philip Rivers trade is one of the rare draft blockbusters where both teams can defend the outcome. The Giants landed the quarterback who helped deliver two Super Bowls. The Chargers received Philip Rivers, Nate Kaeding, Shawne Merriman, and more value. New York gets the edge because championships settle close arguments. The Chargers built a strong return, but the Giants got the quarterback tied to the rings.
Miami acquired wide receiver David Boston from San Diego in 2004 for cornerback Jamar Fletcher and a 2005 sixth-round pick. Boston missed the entire 2004 season with a knee injury and caught only four passes for 80 yards in five games for Miami in 2005. Fletcher played 30 games for the Chargers over two seasons, while the pick became Wes Sims. Modest value was enough for San Diego to win clearly.
San Diego moved down from No. 15 and selected Sammy Davis at No. 30 and Terrence Kiel at No. 62. Neither became a star, but both supplied meaningful starts and multiple seasons of NFL service. Two usable defensive players from the direct return gave the Chargers substantially more realized value than Philadelphia received from Jerome McDougle.
Miami acquired Chargers legend Junior Seau in April 2003 for a 2004 fifth-round pick that San Diego used on Michael Turner. Seau immediately started 15 games for Miami and recorded 133 tackles, strengthening an already talented defense. Turner later became an excellent NFL running back, but most of his peak production came after leaving San Diego. Miami's immediate return was strong enough to give the Dolphins the trade win.
Dallas Cowboys received 2003 7th round pick (236th overall subsequently traded, Brandon Drumm) in the deal with Los Angeles Chargers. Dallas subsequently used pick 236 to acquire Aveion Cason, who appeared in 10 Cowboys games and contributed as a reserve and returner. The Cowboys recovered usable depth from the asset. That outcome supports a C+ for Dallas Cowboys. The Los Angeles Chargers Win verdict weighs documented games, starts, production and connected draft value.
Atlanta Falcons received Trevor Gaylor from Los Angeles Chargers, sending 2004 7th round pick (209th overall, Shane Olivea) the other way. The existing Chargers-win direction is well supported. That outcome supports a C+ grade for Atlanta Falcons, and the overall verdict is Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win.
Cleveland Browns received Steve Heiden in the exchange with Los Angeles Chargers. Heiden became a long-term Browns tight end, appearing in 106 regular-season games over eight Cleveland seasons and catching 13 touchdowns. He delivered exceptional longevity for the cost of a seventh-round pick. The A- grade reflects the direct value Cleveland Browns realized from the deal, while the Cleveland Browns Win call weighs actual regular-season service and clearly connected draft value rather than name recognition alone.
Los Angeles Chargers received 2001 4th round pick (112th overall, Carlos Polk) and 2001 5th round pick (139th overall, Zeke Moreno) in the 2001-04-22 exchange with New England Patriots. Carlos Polk and Zeke Moreno both supplied useful Chargers depth, giving San Diego two contributors from the direct return. The direct package, rather than later movement of any acquired asset, is the basis for the hindsight judgment. Against what Los Angeles Chargers surrendered, the result supports Los Angeles Chargers Win.
Atlanta moved from No. 5 to No. 1 for Michael Vick, sending San Diego Tim Dwight, the fifth pick, a third-rounder and a 2002 second-rounder. Vick became a transformative Falcons star and led Atlanta to the 2004 NFC Championship Game. The Chargers used No. 5 on Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson and also gained useful supporting assets, giving San Diego the greater total return.
San Diego acquired wide receiver and returner Nate Jacquet from Miami for a 2001 sixth-round pick. The Chargers got only a brief stint from Jacquet, while Miami eventually used the 164th selection on tackle Brandon Winey. Winey did not play for the Dolphins, but he reached the NFL and appeared in 24 games with three starts. The pick retained more downstream value than Jacquet’s short Chargers tenure.
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers traded John Burke to the New York Jets on August 10, 1999, not in 2009, and received a 2001 seventh-round pick in return. The transaction produced little lasting impact for either side, so placing it in 1999 changes the historical record more than the football evaluation. The Chargers receive a C in an evenly graded exchange.
Baltimore Ravens received 2000 5th round pick (148th overall, Richard Mercier) from Los Angeles Chargers, sending Jim Harbaugh the other way. San Diego clearly received more realized value. That outcome supports a D+ grade for Baltimore Ravens, and the overall verdict is Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win.
San Diego Chargers received Erric Pegram in the 1998-07-02 exchange with Pittsburgh Steelers. Erric Pegram had only a brief Chargers stint, so San Diego did not receive enough sustained production to create a meaningful advantage. The direct package is the basis for the hindsight grade, with later movement of an acquired selection treated separately. That supports Even Trade.
Chicago Bears received Shawn Lee. Shawn Lee started 14 of 15 games for Chicago in 1998, giving the Bears a meaningful short-term contribution from the veteran defensive lineman. That outcome supports a C+ grade because the return is measured by the direct football value Chicago Bears actually received after the deal, compared with the asset sent the other way.
Atlanta acquired veteran receiver Tony Martin from San Diego for a 1999 second-round pick. Martin immediately delivered 66 catches, 1,181 yards and six touchdowns for the 14-2 Falcons, helping the franchise reach its first Super Bowl. San Diego used the No. 60 pick on Jermaine Fazande, who played 20 games and rushed for 733 career yards. Atlanta received the much larger immediate payoff.
Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers San Diego received the 1998 second-round pick at No. 59 and used it on Mikhael Ricks. Ricks supplied useful receiving production, so the Chargers did obtain real value from the exchange. The supported hindsight grade is B-. That mark weighs only value tied directly to this transaction and keeps the result proportional to the deal's cost. Against Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the final verdict is Tampa Bay Buccaneers Win.
Arizona turned the second pick in the 1998 draft into an enormous package from San Diego: Eric Metcalf, Patrick Sapp, the No. 3 and No. 33 selections in 1998, and a 1999 first-rounder. Those picks became Andre Wadsworth, Corey Chavous and David Boston. Not every piece became a star, but the Cardinals diversified one premium asset into multiple starters while the quarterback selected by San Diego became an historic bust.
The Rams sent the 138th pick to San Diego for the 215th pick and a 1998 fourth-rounder. The Chargers used No. 138 on Kenny Bynum, who played 53 NFL games but never became a major offensive piece. St. Louis turned the future fourth-rounder into Az-Zahir Hakim, a productive receiver and returner on the Greatest Show on Turf. That delayed asset made the Rams the clear winner.
Pittsburgh sent the 1996 sixth-round pick at No. 192 to San Diego for the Chargers’ 1997 fifth-round choice at No. 146. San Diego selected Bryan Stoltenberg, who appeared in nine games without a start for the Chargers. Pittsburgh later included the fifth-rounder in a separate package that returned a 1998 third-round choice, giving the Steelers the better asset progression.
Tampa Bay sent the 41st pick in the 1996 draft to San Diego and received the Chargers’ 1997 first-round selection. San Diego used No. 41 on receiver Bryan Still, while Tampa Bay’s future pick landed at No. 16 and became receiver Reidel Anthony. Neither player became a star, but Anthony produced more as an NFL receiver and the Buccaneers successfully turned a second-rounder into a future first. That asset gain gives Tampa Bay the edge.
Detroit Lions received 1996 1st round pick (21st overall subsequently traded, Pete Kendall) in the 1995-04-22 exchange with San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. San Diego sent its 1996 first-round choice to Detroit for the 1995 second-round selection used on Terrell Fletcher. Fletcher became a useful long-term Chargers back, while Detroit later used the future first-round asset in another move that helped it reach linebacker Reggie Brown. The documented result supports a B grade for Detroit Lions. The overall verdict is Detroit Lions Win, based on realized value rather than hypothetical upside.
Carolina Panthers received 1995 1st round pick (29th overall, Blake Brockermeyer) in the 1995-04-22 exchange with Los Angeles Chargers. Brockermeyer became a multi-year Carolina starter and gave the expansion club useful offensive-line stability. The stronger overall return belongs to Los Angeles Chargers. The transaction still produced a concrete basis for the hindsight grade.
San Diego received the 1994 fifth-round selection used on Darren Krein. Krein did not develop into a meaningful regular-season contributor for the Chargers, leaving the club with little realized value from the move. Because the outgoing consideration became a future fourth-rounder that Seattle used on a long-tenured specialist, the Chargers' side of the exchange grades well below Seattle's.
Los Angeles Chargers received 1994 3rd round pick (70th overall, Andre Coleman) and 1994 5th round pick (137th overall, Aaron Laing). Andre Coleman became the most durable direct Chargers return and provided several seasons of useful value, while Aaron Laing did not materially change the outcome. Compared with New England Patriots' return, the result supports a B+ grade and fits the Los Angeles Chargers Win verdict.
Los Angeles Chargers received 1995 4th round pick (104th overall, Aaron Hayden) in the 1994-04-11 exchange with Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams. Hayden gave San Diego one productive partial rushing season plus another year of depth, creating real value from the fourth-round pick. The realized value remains close enough to support an even result.
Philadelphia acquired veteran defensive end Burt Grossman from the Chargers for a 1995 sixth-round pick. Grossman gave the Eagles one useful season, appearing in 14 games, starting twice and recording 5.5 sacks. The pick became No. 183, Brandon Harrison, and did not yield comparable NFL production for the Chargers. Philadelphia did not secure a long-term building block, but it received immediate pass-rush value that clearly exceeded the realized return from the late-round choice.
Miami traded wide receiver Tony Martin to the Chargers in March 1994 for a fourth-round selection. Martin became a major Chargers contributor and eventually finished his NFL career with 593 receptions and 9,065 receiving yards. Miami retained useful downstream value from the acquired draft asset, but Los Angeles received the strongest direct player contribution from the transaction.
San Diego Chargers received 1995 6th round pick (177th overall, Troy Sienkiewicz) in the 1994-03-18 exchange with Los Angeles Rams, giving up Nate Lewis. The sixth-round choice became No. 177, Troy Sienkiewicz, giving San Diego a later draft asset after moving a veteran receiver. That return supports a B- grade for San Diego Chargers. The final verdict is Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win, based on the football value tied directly to the assets in this deal.
Cleveland acquired defensive back Donald Frank from San Diego for a 1995 sixth-round pick, No. 197. Frank gave the Browns veteran secondary depth, but the Chargers used the selection on quarterback Craig Whelihan, who later started 14 games for San Diego across 1997 and 1998. Whelihan was not an efficient long-term starter, yet getting multiple quarterback starts from a sixth-round return outweighed Cleveland's short-lived veteran benefit.
San Diego acquired the 222nd pick in 1993 and used it on quarterback Trent Green, sending San Francisco a 1994 sixth-round choice that became No. 175. Green later enjoyed a long, productive NFL career, but not for the Chargers, while San Francisco later moved the future sixth. Because neither franchise directly captured the famous downstream player value attached to its asset, the trade itself finished as a modest draw.
San Diego Chargers received 1993 fourth round pick (#104-Horace Copeland) from Philadelphia Eagles, giving up Broderick Thompson. The direct return was 1993 fourth-round selection No. 104 before San Diego moved it again. The return supports a C+ grade because the value directly tied to this deal fits that mark. The final verdict is Philadelphia Eagles Win.
San Diego acquired No. 99 and selected Lewis Bush. Bush became a long-term Chargers linebacker and substantial starter, giving the club sustained defensive value from a fourth-round move. His longevity and role clearly exceed the combined Patriots return, making the Chargers the stronger side even though New England did receive some legitimate service from Corwin Brown.
San Diego moved from No. 82 to No. 64 in the 1993 draft and selected guard Joe Cocozzo, sending Tampa Bay picks No. 82 and No. 104. Cocozzo became a legitimate NFL starter, playing 77 games with 48 starts for the Chargers. Tampa Bay, however, used the two incoming selections on John Lynch and Horace Copeland, giving the Buccaneers a far larger combined return.
San Diego moved from No. 48 to No. 41 in the 1993 draft for Natrone Means and sent San Francisco its 1994 first-round pick. Means became a Pro Bowl back and helped the Chargers reach Super Bowl XXIX. The future first also helped the 49ers trade up for Bryant Young. Both teams created major value, but San Diego receives the narrow edge for the best direct return.
San Diego sent offensive lineman Leo Goeas to the Rams for the 1993 fourth-round pick used on defensive end Raylee Johnson at No. 95. Johnson became a long-term Chargers pass rusher, remaining with the club through 2003 and producing several strong sack seasons. Goeas gave the Rams experienced line depth, but the fourth-round conversion created far more sustained value for San Diego.
San Diego acquired linebacker Kevin Murphy from Tampa Bay for a 1993 eighth-round pick that became No. 220, Darrick Branch. Murphy appeared in 14 games for the Chargers in 1992, while Branch never played an NFL regular-season game for Tampa Bay. Neither return became a franchise piece, but San Diego received actual defensive snaps from a late-summer trade whose draft cost produced no NFL contribution for the Buccaneers.
Los Angeles Chargers received Stan Humphries from Washington Commanders in the 1992-08-13 trade. The Chargers acquired Stan Humphries, who immediately became their starting quarterback. Washington Commanders's return was 1993 conditional fourth round pick (later increased to third) (#80-Ed Bunn). Washington's conditional pick escalated to a third-rounder and became punter Ed Bunn at No. 80. Those realized outcomes, rather than the labels on the assets alone, drive the hindsight grade.
Atlanta acquired quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver from San Diego for a 1992 fifth-round pick, No. 131, used on linebacker Kevin Little. Tolliver appeared in 23 games across three Falcons seasons and made nine starts, giving Atlanta meaningful quarterback depth. Little did not appear in an NFL regular-season game for San Diego. The trade therefore produced a clear Falcons advantage from a modest mid-round cost.
San Diego used the acquired fifth-round pick on defensive back Floyd Fields. Fields appeared in 30 games and made 16 starts for the Chargers, giving the club a meaningful secondary role from the selection. That starting workload stands out as the strongest direct contribution created by the trade and gives San Diego a modest advantage over New England's two-player draft return.
San Diego sent Washington a 1992 first-round pick that became No. 6 overall and received No. 47 Eric Moten plus a 1992 fifth-round selection. Moten became a durable Chargers starter, while Washington turned the premium pick into leverage for another move up the 1992 board. Both clubs created meaningful value, even though Washington's later conversion carried mixed results.
San Diego acquired guard Mike Zandofsky from Phoenix in August 1990 for a late 1991 draft choice. Chargers records show Zandofsky became a useful multi-year interior lineman, appearing throughout the next four seasons and starting all 16 games in 1993. The Cardinals recovered late draft capital, but its downstream identity is uncertain and did not match the known Chargers production. San Diego wins with a B to C result.
The Rams acquired punter Keith English from San Diego for a 1991 tenth-round pick, No. 254, used on Roland Poles. English handled the Rams' punting job for all 16 games in 1990, recording 68 punts. Poles did not develop into a comparable NFL contributor. San Diego recovered a late selection, but Los Angeles received a full season from a specialist at a minimal acquisition cost.
Las Vegas Raiders received Jamie Holland in the deal with Los Angeles Chargers. Holland played all 16 games in both 1990 and 1991 and handled substantial kickoff-return work, including 655 return yards in 1990 and 421 in 1991. Oakland received two full seasons of usable special-teams value. That outcome supports a B- for Las Vegas Raiders. The Las Vegas Raiders Win verdict weighs documented games, starts, production and connected draft value.
Las Vegas Raiders received Napoleon McCallum in the deal with Los Angeles Chargers. McCallum played only five Raiders games across 1990, 1991 and 1993, although he produced some useful rushing work in a two-start stretch during 1993. The contribution remained limited in both volume and duration. That outcome supports a C+ for Las Vegas Raiders. The Los Angeles Chargers Win verdict weighs documented games, starts, production and connected draft value.
San Diego sent Dallas a 1991 third-round pick that became Godfrey Myles for three sixth-round selections in the 1990 draft, not just the John Friesz pick. The Chargers used the choices on Friesz, Frank Cornish and Derrick Walker. All three contributed, including starting stretches from each, while Myles became a useful Dallas linebacker. The broader three-player return gives the Chargers the edge.
Tampa Bay acquired running back Gary Anderson from San Diego for a 1990 third-round pick and a conditional 1991 second-round choice that transferred after Anderson remained with the Buccaneers. The picks became Jeff Mills at No. 57 and Eric Bieniemy at No. 39. Anderson immediately produced 1,110 yards from scrimmage in 1990 and remained useful for several seasons, narrowly outweighing the Chargers' solid draft return.
Los Angeles Chargers
Indianapolis acquired linebacker Chip Banks from San Diego on October 17, 1989 for a conditional pick that became the 67th selection in 1990, wide receiver Walter Wilson. Banks started 51 games for the Colts across four seasons and finished his Indianapolis tenure with a nine-sack 1992 season. Wilson played 14 games with five starts and 87 receiving yards for the Chargers, leaving Indianapolis clearly ahead.
Dallas sent running back Darrin Nelson to San Diego in October 1989 and received a 1990 fifth-round pick that became No. 116, Reggie Thornton. Dallas later routed that selection into the Herschel Walker deal, but the Chargers owed nothing beyond this pick. Turning a veteran into usable draft capital gives the Cowboys the better direct value in this smaller exchange.
Cleveland acquired running back Barry Redden from San Diego on September 3, 1989 and sent a 1990 seventh-round pick in return. The choice became No. 185, which the Chargers used on Joe Staysniak. Contemporary reporting supports the September 3 date despite a later Chargers source listing September 4. Redden gave Cleveland an immediate option, but San Diego recovered the slightly stronger lasting asset value.
Washington acquired punter Ralf Mojsiejenko from San Diego for a 1990 seventh-round pick that became No. 187, Nate Lewis. Contemporary reporting supports an August 29 agreement, while the league transaction log shows August 30. Washington solved a specialist need cheaply, but the Chargers converted the move into a future selection and receive the slight value edge.
Chicago traded Jim McMahon to San Diego in August 1989 for a conditional 1990 draft choice tied to his playing time. The condition ultimately produced pick No. 33, which the Bears used on linebacker Ron Cox. Cox developed into a long-term NFL contributor, while McMahon's Chargers stay was brief. That realized pick value gives Chicago a clear B+ to C hindsight win.
San Diego sent Washington its 1989 twelfth-round selection, No. 316, which became Jimmie Johnson, and received Washington's 1990 twelfth-round choice, No. 326, later used on Elliott Searcy. The trade was essentially a one-year shift of very late draft capital. Washington received the earlier opportunity and extracted the slightly better practical value, while San Diego's deferred selection did not create a stronger NFL return.
San Diego moved up with New York in the 1989 draft, receiving second-round pick No. 51 and selecting quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver. The Giants received Nos. 64, 93 and 175, which became Bob Kratch, Lewis Tillman and Dave Popp. Tolliver started 19 games over two Chargers seasons, but Kratch and Tillman supplied longer New York service and both were part of the 1990 Super Bowl championship roster.
The Chargers acquired the rights to Navy running back Napoleon McCallum from the Raiders on October 11, 1988, sending back major draft value connected to the earlier Jim Lachey trade. McCallum did not play a regular-season down for San Diego while serving his military commitment. The Raiders recovered draft capital, and the Chargers later sent McCallum back to the Raiders in 1990 for only a late future choice.
San Diego traded linebacker Thomas Benson to New England for a 1989 seventh-round pick, then used No. 183 on running back Marion Butts. Benson appeared in 12 games for the Patriots in 1988, but Butts became a two-time Pro Bowler and rushed for 5,185 career yards, including 1,225 in 1990. Turning a departing veteran into a multiyear featured back made this an outstanding piece of late-round value for the Chargers.
San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers received conditional draft pick (selection not identified) from Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Tampa Bay Buccaneers received Al Williams in the 1988-08-10 deal. Tampa Bay acquired Al Williams while the Chargers received a conditional draft choice whose final selection is not identified; the limited player impact and uncertain pick outcome support an even grade. The final grades are C for San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and C for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, producing a verdict of Even Trade.
San Diego sent guard-tackle Curtis Rouse to Atlanta on August 4, 1988 for past considerations. The exact monetary or administrative terms are not published, so no extra compensation should be invented. Rouse was released by Atlanta before the 1988 regular season and never played another NFL game, leaving the Chargers with the slightly better realized outcome.
San Diego traded Pro Bowl tackle Jim Lachey to the Raiders in 1988 for tackle John Clay plus 1989 third- and fourth-round choices. Clay arrived injured, failed his initial physical and never became the replacement San Diego needed. The Raiders briefly held an elite left tackle and then used Lachey in the deal for quarterback Jay Schroeder, while the Chargers' return became entangled in the later Napoleon McCallum adjustment.
Indianapolis sent defensive back Leonard Coleman to San Diego on July 8, 1988 for a 1990 twelfth-round pick. That selection became No. 311, Gene Benhart, who did not establish an NFL career. Coleman gave the Chargers immediate veteran depth and appeared during the 1988 season. The return was modest on both sides, but San Diego received the more useful direct value.
San Diego acquired Dallas draft rights to wide receiver Brian Bedford on June 29, 1988 for a 1989 ninth-round pick. Bedford had been Dallas' ninth-round selection that spring, but he did not produce regular-season NFL value for the Chargers. With the future ninth-round choice not tied here to a consequential Dallas return, the small exchange is best treated as an even C/C trade.
San Diego sent Wes Chandler to San Francisco with Fred Quillan initially heading the other way. When Quillan did not remain with the Chargers, the protected terms produced 1989 and 1990 seventh-round selections instead. Those picks became Terrance Jones and Keith Collins and did not match Chandler's remaining contribution. The conditional structure protected San Diego from receiving nothing, but San Francisco still secured the stronger practical return.
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.
San Diego sent quarterback Mark Herrmann back to Indianapolis in April 1988 for a late 1989 draft choice. Chargers historical records identify the compensation as an eleventh-round pick, not a conditional selection that disappeared. Herrmann did not survive the Colts' final 1988 roster decisions and soon joined the Rams, leaving Indianapolis without regular-season value. San Diego at least secured draft capital, producing a modest C+ to D+ Chargers win.
San Diego sent veteran tight end Pete Holohan to the Rams during the 1988 draft and received the 91st overall selection, which became defensive lineman Joe Campbell Jr. Holohan gave Los Angeles an experienced receiving option, while Campbell provided San Diego with a young defensive asset. Neither return became a franchise-defining piece, but converting an older player into a fourth-round pick gave the Chargers the better age-and-control profile.
San Diego sent Houston picks No. 72 and No. 125 in the 1988 draft for pick No. 60, which became receiver Quinn Early. Early gave the Chargers three seasons and 739 receiving yards before developing into a bigger producer elsewhere. Houston used its choices on punter Greg Montgomery and cornerback Cris Dishman, with Dishman becoming a long-term starter and 43-interception NFL defender.
San Diego acquired Mark Malone while searching for a veteran successor to Dan Fouts. Malone started eight games in 1988 and threw for 1,580 yards, six touchdowns and 13 interceptions before the Chargers moved on the following year. The price was only an eighth-rounder and an untriggered condition, so the downside was limited, but the acquisition did not solve the quarterback problem.
San Diego sent tackle Emil Slovacek to Denver on March 25, 1988 for past considerations. The Chargers' own historical transaction record and Pro Sports Transactions both document the deal. Slovacek had appeared in only two regular-season games for San Diego in 1987, and his NFL record shows no regular-season appearances after that season, leaving Denver without documented on-field return.
San Francisco traded linebacker James Johnson to San Diego during the 1987 strike period after Johnson had appeared once for the 49ers replacement squad. Contemporary reporting described the return as a future draft choice, while a transaction ledger records only past considerations. Johnson then appeared in one Chargers game. With no evidence of sustained San Diego production, the modest return still leaves San Francisco with the better realized side.
San Diego traded guard Jeff Walker to the Los Angeles Rams for an eleventh-round choice in the 1988 draft, No. 285, which became center Ed Miller. Walker gave the Rams an experienced offensive lineman for the 1987 season, while Miller represented a low-cost developmental swing for San Diego. The exchange stayed modest, but the Rams received the more immediate and dependable football value.
Dallas acquired veteran kicker Rolf Benirschke from San Diego but waived him before the 1987 regular season after Roger Ruzek won the job. San Diego's listed 1989 twelfth-round return never appears as a Dallas-derived selection in the Chargers' 1989 draft. Neither acquired asset produced regular-season value for its receiving team, supporting C grades for both teams and an Even Trade verdict.
San Diego acquired defensive back David Brandon and Buffalo's 1988 fourth-round pick, later used on Stacy Searels, while the Bills received wide receiver Trumaine Johnson and a 1988 seventh-rounder that became Bo Wright. Contemporary reporting and team histories agree on the package. Johnson's Buffalo stay was brief, and the Chargers received both a player and the substantially earlier draft choice, giving San Diego the stronger overall return.
The Chargers acquired safety Martin Bayless from Buffalo for defensive back Wayne Davis in late August 1987. Bayless immediately started all 12 games of the strike-shortened season and remained a regular Chargers starter for years, while Davis produced a much smaller Buffalo return. The one-for-one player swap generated clear long-term value for San Diego.
San Diego acquired wide receiver Bobby Johnson from the New York Giants in August 1987 for a 1988 tenth-round pick. Johnson joined the Chargers during training camp but was released before the regular season and never appeared in a regular-season game for San Diego. The player acquisition therefore produced no realized on-field value for the Chargers.
San Diego acquired defensive back Tim Lucas from the Cardinals on June 22, 1987 for an eleventh-round choice in the 1988 draft. Chargers historical records support that date rather than the July date carried in the current entry. Lucas did not become a meaningful regular-season contributor in San Diego, while the Cardinals at least recovered a late selection. Arizona receives a restrained C+ to D+ win.
Los Angeles sent Barry Redden to San Diego for fullback Buford McGee, a 1988 second-round pick and a conditional 1989 pick. The Rams converted those selections into Flipper Anderson and Thom Kaumeyer. Redden barely played for the Chargers, while McGee became a useful Rams fullback and Anderson developed into a productive deep threat. The realized return makes Los Angeles the clear winner.
San Diego moved down from the fifth and 32nd selections in the 1987 draft and received linebacker Chip Banks plus picks No. 24 and No. 53 from Cleveland. The Chargers converted those choices into Rod Bernstine and Louis Brock while adding an established defender. Cleveland's premium selections became Mike Junkin and Gregg Rakoczy, leaving the Chargers with the stronger realized return.
San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers received Vencie Glenn in the 1986-09-29 exchange involving New England Patriots. Glenn became a long-term Chargers starter and productive defensive back, giving San Diego substantial value from the player side of the exchange. That realized return supports a A- grade for San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. The overall verdict is Even Trade, with the grade based on direct value created from this transaction.
The Chargers acquired the rights to Andy Hawkins from Tampa Bay in exchange for the 1987 sixth-round pick later used on Steve Bartalo. The supported transaction date is August 20, 1986. Hawkins appeared in 12 games with one start for San Diego, giving the Chargers some value but not enough to create a decisive advantage. A C grade fits that limited contribution.
Atlanta Falcons received Ed Luther. Atlanta acquired quarterback Ed Luther. The move gave the Falcons the player they targeted, but his return did not match the combined usefulness of the player and restored draft capital sent to the Chargers. Washington plus the recovered draft asset gave the Chargers the more useful overall package, supporting the existing Chargers-side result. That outcome supports a C+ grade for Atlanta Falcons.
Atlanta received only a conditional 1987 sixth-round draft choice for Thomas Benson, not the specific No. 143 pick previously attached to this trade. Contemporary reporting later indicated that the conditional choice was returned to San Diego in a separate transaction. With no durable retained return from this exchange, Atlanta realized little value, supporting a D+ grade given the supported package.
San Diego sent Jesse Bendross to Tampa Bay for a 1987 twelfth-round return, but neither side ultimately produced regular-season value from the exchange. Tampa Bay released Bendross before the 1986 season, and the 1987 draft ledger shows the Buccaneers retained their own No. 308 selection while the Chargers used only their native No. 310 slot in round 12. C grades for both teams and an Even Trade verdict fit the realized outcome.
San Diego moved from No. 14 to No. 8 in the 1986 draft and selected Leslie O'Neal, while also receiving No. 66. O'Neal became the defining asset: 132.5 career sacks and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Minnesota took Gerald Robinson at No. 14 and obtained No. 44, later used in the trade for Gary Zimmerman's rights, giving the Vikings meaningful value despite losing the direct comparison.
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.
Los Angeles Chargers received 1986 fourth round pick (#95-Ty Allert); 1987 eighth round pick (#204-Ron Brown) in the 1985-09-02 exchange with Philadelphia Eagles. Ty Allert and Ron Brown did not become impact NFL players, leaving San Diego without a return comparable to the production it surrendered. The direct return and the football value it produced drive the hindsight judgment. Against the assets Los Angeles Chargers surrendered, the result supports Philadelphia Eagles Win and a C grade for Los Angeles Chargers.
Los Angeles Chargers received Gary Kowalski and 1986 fifth round pick (#133-Matt Johnson). San Diego received Gary Kowalski and the 1986 fifth-round choice used on Matt Johnson. The return produced limited direct value compared with what Duckworth gave the Rams immediately. Compared with Los Angeles Rams' return, the result supports a D+ grade and fits the Los Angeles Rams Win verdict.
Chicago Bears received Maury Buford, while Los Angeles Chargers received 1986 twelfth round pick (#333-Mike Travis). Chicago's official trade history and 1985 transaction reporting establish Maury Buford for San Diego's 1986 twelfth-round choice, later No. 333, used on Mike Travis. That return earns a B+ grade for Chicago Bears, and the overall verdict is Chicago Bears Win.
Indianapolis traded linebacker Vernon Maxwell to San Diego on August 1, 1985 for a 1986 fifth-round pick. The Colts later used that selection, No. 124 overall, on center Gary Walker. Walker never became a contributor for Indianapolis, but the Colts at least converted an expendable player into meaningful draft capital. That matters because Maxwell did not survive San Diego’s final preseason cuts.
Minnesota acquired Chuck Muncie from San Diego on July 19, 1985 for one conditional 1986 sixth-round pick tied to Muncie remaining with the Vikings through the season. Muncie retired before playing a regular-season game for Minnesota, so the condition was not met and the pick was not exercised. Neither team ultimately received a realized football asset from the transaction.
San Francisco traded running back Mark Schellen to San Diego on May 20, 1985 for a 1986 12th-round draft choice. The Chargers' official trade history confirms the exchange. Schellen spent the 1985 season on injured reserve and did not appear on San Diego's regular-season roster; the Chargers then traded him to Houston in May 1986. The exact 49ers selection from the 12th-round pick remains unidentified.
Indianapolis sent quarterback Mark Herrmann to San Diego on March 27, 1985, for a 1986 tenth-round pick that became No. 266 and guard Pete Anderson. Herrmann gave the Chargers three seasons of backup quarterback value, including 1,537 passing yards and 10 touchdowns in 1985. Anderson never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. San Diego clearly received the stronger realized return from a low-cost exchange.
San Diego received 1986 fifth- and eleventh-round selections that became Donald Brown and Drew Smetana. Those choices did not produce a return comparable with the immediate pass-rush value Gary Johnson supplied in San Francisco. The D+ grade reflects the limited payoff from the two picks and the clear realized-value gap favoring the 49ers.
Miami acquired Pete Johnson from San Diego on September 22, 1984, sending the rights to Dewey Forte and a 1985 second-round pick. Johnson gave the Dolphins immediate goal-line value with nine rushing touchdowns in 13 games during a Super Bowl season. San Diego used No. 55 on Jeffery Dale, who played 42 games and intercepted six passes. The Chargers gained the slightly stronger multi-year return.
Chicago Bears received Dave Finzer, while Los Angeles Chargers received 1985 twelfth round pick (#329-Bret Pearson). Chicago and San Diego histories document the August 15, 1984 Dave Finzer trade for a 1985 twelfth-round selection, ultimately Bret Pearson. That return earns a B- grade for Chicago Bears, and the overall verdict is Chicago Bears Win.
Minnesota traded safety John Turner to San Diego on August 10, 1984, for compensation that ultimately converted to the Chargers’ 1985 third-round pick, No. 66. The Vikings used it on Tim Long. Turner spent one season with the Chargers and returned to Minnesota in 1985, so the Vikings gained the draft asset without permanently losing the veteran defensive back.
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.
Kansas City traded running back Jewerl Thomas to San Diego in spring 1984 for a 1985 seventh-round pick. The choice became No. 180, which the Chiefs used on Missouri Western defensive lineman Vince Thomson. Thomas gave the Chargers seven games, 43 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 1984, while Thomson never produced NFL regular-season value, giving San Diego a narrow edge.
San Diego acquired veteran linebacker Brian Kelley from the Giants on March 29, 1984 for its tenth-round pick, No. 257. Kelley was released by the Chargers on August 27 before the regular season, so San Diego received no regular-season production from the deal.
San Diego received three selections for Louie Kelcher, but the resulting players produced no Chargers regular-season appearances: Bob Craighead and the No. 331 receiver never logged an NFL game, while Dan Remsberg was released before the 1985 season. Kelcher played all 16 games for San Francisco's Super Bowl XIX champions. That concrete imbalance drops the Chargers to D and changes the verdict to a 49ers win.
The Jets sent Abdul Salaam and Kenny Neil to San Diego on February 13, 1984 for a second-round pick, No. 39 overall. New York selected tight end Glenn Dennison, who started nine games and caught 16 passes for 141 yards in 1984 but had little later NFL production. San Diego received short-term defensive-line depth and later moved Neil for another pick. Neither side created a lasting advantage.
Seattle sent two veterans to San Diego and received future fifth-round selections in 1984 and 1985. Those picks became No. 125 Jeff Pegues and No. 123 Mark Napolitan, preserving useful draft flexibility even though the first selection later moved again. Compared with the limited Chargers production from the incoming veterans, Seattle's two-pick package held the stronger overall direct value.
On 1983-08-13, Buffalo Bills received Mikell Williams, while Los Angeles Chargers received Lou Piccone, undisclosed draft pick. The hindsight verdict is Los Angeles Chargers Win, with Buffalo Bills graded C and Los Angeles Chargers graded C+. The evaluation follows the documented consideration and the football value that can be traced from it, while treating conditional terms and later draft outcomes as context rather than as assets exchanged directly on trade day.
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.
Kansas City acquired veteran center Bob Rush from San Diego in July 1983 for future third- and fifth-round selections. Rush immediately became the Chiefs' starting center and started 47 games across three seasons. San Diego used the 1985 third-rounder on John Hendy, who started 10 games and intercepted four passes as a rookie, while the later fifth-rounder became Doug Landry. Kansas City received the stronger sustained return.
St. Louis traded safety Ken Greene to San Diego on May 2, 1983 for the Chargers' 1984 third- and eighth-round picks. Greene played 31 games for San Diego and started nine in 1983. The Cardinals used the eighth-rounder on Niko Noga, a multi-year starter, while the third-round asset was later included in the Al Baker trade and became No. 62. St. Louis created the stronger overall return.
San Diego moved up from the second round to No. 22 in 1983, sending San Francisco both No. 49 and No. 36. The Chargers selected cornerback Gill Byrd, who became a franchise standout and intercepted 42 passes in his career. That is an excellent result, but the 49ers received Roger Craig plus another second-round asset that they immediately used in the Wendell Tyler deal.
Chicago Bears received 1983 fourth round pick (#107-Pat Dunsmore) and 1983 eighth round pick (#219-Mark Bortz). Chicago used the acquired picks on Pat Dunsmore and Mark Bortz. Bortz became a long-term starting guard and Super Bowl champion, creating substantial sustained value from the deal. Compared with Los Angeles Chargers' return, the result supports a A grade and fits the Chicago Bears Win verdict.
On 1982-08-25, Los Angeles Chargers received Donald Dykes, while New York Jets received 1983 conditional draft pick (selection not identified). The final verdict is New York Jets Win, with Los Angeles Chargers graded C- and New York Jets graded B-. The hindsight view follows the documented consideration and later traceable value without treating every named pick outcome as if it had been directly exchanged on trade day. Any conditional, undisclosed, or unidentified component is credited only to the extent that the surviving evidence establishes it.
San Diego traded safety Pete Shaw to New York on July 13, 1982 for the Giants' 1984 eighth-round choice, which became No. 199 overall. The Chargers selected Texas defensive end Ray Woodard, but he spent 1984 on injured reserve and was waived before the 1985 season without appearing in a San Diego regular-season game. The acquired pick therefore produced no on-field Chargers value.
Los Angeles Chargers received 1983 eighth round pick (#202-Earnest Jackson) and 1985 seventh round pick (#196-Mark Fellows). The Chargers received the eighth-round choice that became Earnest Jackson and a later seventh-round choice. Jackson became a 1,000-yard rusher for San Diego and was later moved for additional draft capital, creating substantial value from a late selection. Jackson's production and later trade value created a major advantage for the Chargers over Horn's brief San Francisco tenure. That outcome supports an A grade for Los Angeles Chargers.
Minnesota sent veteran linebacker Jeff Siemon to San Diego on May 28, 1982 for a 1983 draft choice. Chargers trade histories disagree on the round, so the exact selection should not be overstated. Siemon retired during Chargers camp, was released, then returned to Minnesota and played nine games in 1982, leaving an unusual transaction with limited lasting separation.
Baltimore traded veteran safety Bruce Laird to San Diego in May 1982 for a 1983 sixth-round pick. Laird gave the Chargers 23 games over two seasons and started six times in the strike-shortened 1982 season. The Colts used No. 161 on center Grant Feasel, who appeared in 17 games for Baltimore and Indianapolis without a start before continuing his career elsewhere. San Diego received the better direct return.
San Diego acquired veteran safety Tim Fox from New England on April 27, 1982 and received three useful seasons, including seven interceptions in 30 games with the Chargers. The Patriots turned Fox into second-rounder Robert Weathers and a 1983 third-rounder used on tackle Steve Moore. Weathers contributed 1,001 yards from scrimmage and Moore eventually started 31 games, giving New England the broader long-term return.
San Diego acquired linebacker Dewey Selmon from Tampa Bay in March 1982 for a 1984 fourth-round pick, No. 89 Randy Robbins. Tampa Bay later moved that same selection to Denver in the Steve DeBerg trade, but the later quarterback transaction is not part of Selmon’s price. The Buccaneers retained the more flexible long-term asset and earn a modest hindsight win.
Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers received Ricky Bell (L.) in the exchange with Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bell appeared in four games for San Diego and carried only twice for six yards, giving the Chargers almost no realized return. The supported hindsight grade is C. That mark reflects realized value tied directly to this transaction, with the overall result recorded as Even Trade.
San Diego acquired linebacker Dave Lewis from Tampa Bay for a 1982 third-round pick and a 1984 fourth-rounder. Lewis started four games and played nine for the Chargers in 1982 before moving on. Tampa Bay used No. 83 on defensive end John Cannon, who spent nine seasons with the Buccaneers and made 73 starts. The later pick became Michael Gunter, making Cannon the decisive return.
Chicago Bears received 1982 fifth round pick (#134-Dennis Tabron) from Los Angeles Chargers, sending Allan Ellis the other way. Ellis started games for San Diego and Tabron produced no comparable NFL value, favoring the Chargers. That outcome supports a C grade for Chicago Bears, and the overall verdict is Los Angeles Chargers Win.
San Francisco acquired Hall of Fame pass rusher Fred Dean during the 1981 season and added the missing pressure piece to Bill Walsh's rising team. Dean helped power the 49ers' first Super Bowl run, later contributed to another championship, and gave San Francisco a dynasty-level defensive edge. The Chargers received pick value, but nothing close to Dean's immediate title impact or historical legacy.
San Diego quickly used part of the John Jefferson return to acquire Wes Chandler from New Orleans, sending Aundra Thompson plus 1982 first- and third-round picks. Chandler became a premier Chargers receiver and a central piece of the Air Coryell offense. New Orleans did not receive comparable production from the package, giving San Diego a clear and lasting win.
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.
Detroit Lions received 1982 twelfth round pick (#326-Rob Rubick) from Los Angeles Chargers. The twelfth-round choice became Rob Rubick, who spent seven seasons with Detroit, played 88 games, made 25 starts, and recorded 511 receiving yards. That realized return supports a A- grade for Detroit Lions. The final verdict is Detroit Lions Win, based on the regular-season service and draft value each club actually received after the exchange.
Los Angeles Chargers received 1984 fourth round pick (#107-Micheal Gunter / Michael Gunter / Mike Gunter). The Chargers received San Francisco's 1984 fourth-round choice, later No. 107. That pick remained an asset the club could move again, and it was later transferred to Tampa Bay. The Chargers therefore preserved useful draft flexibility, while Amos Lawrence did not deliver regular-season production for San Francisco. That gives Los Angeles the better practical return. That stronger outcome supports a B- grade for Los Angeles Chargers.
Baltimore acquired kicker Mike Wood from San Diego on August 31, 1981 for a 1983 sixth-round pick. Wood handled the Colts' kicking job for all 16 games in 1981 and six more in 1982. The Chargers used No. 141 in 1983 on receiver Trumaine Johnson, who later played two seasons for San Diego and caught 34 passes for 450 yards and two touchdowns. Both received value, with the Chargers holding the edge.
Los Angeles Chargers received George Roberts, while Miami Dolphins received 1982 sixth round pick (#161-Tom Totson). San Diego acquired punter George Roberts from Miami on August 31, 1981 for the future sixth-round choice that became No. 161, used on Tom Totson. That return earns a B grade for Los Angeles Chargers, and the overall verdict is Los Angeles Chargers Win.
San Diego sent Dan Audick to San Francisco for a 1982 third-round selection, later No. 83 and associated with John Cannon. The Chargers eventually used that pick in a separate transaction, while the 49ers received immediate offensive-line help. Keeping the later Tampa Bay deal outside the direct compensation shows a straightforward player-for-pick exchange with no clear long-term winner.
San Diego traded wide receiver Billy Mullins to Chicago on August 10, 1981 for a conditional 1982 twelfth-round choice that would convey only if Mullins was active during the 1981 season. Chargers official trade history states the condition directly. Mullins never appeared in an NFL regular-season game, so the condition was not met and San Diego received no exercised pick.
The Chargers acquired Jeff Williams from Washington in exchange for Wilbur Young on May 15, 1981. The verified package was a clean two-player swap, not a deal involving extra consideration. Los Angeles received the stronger realized return, while Washington's side produced less lasting value. The Chargers therefore deserve the win once the transaction identifiers are cleaned up around the correct package.
San Diego acquired Chuck Muncie during the 1980 season for a 1981 second-round pick. Muncie became an important part of the Air Coryell offense, topped 1,100 rushing yards in 1981 and scored 19 rushing touchdowns that season. The Chargers paid a historic price in hindsight, but they still received several seasons of high-level production from the player they targeted.
Los Angeles Chargers received Ron Smith / Ronnie Smith (Bernard). The Chargers received Ron Smith. Smith supplied some rotational receiving value for San Diego after the trade, giving the club a real but limited player return. That contribution keeps the Chargers competitive in the comparison, although it did not match the multi-season service the Rams later obtained from the correctly identified No. 134 selection, Otis Grant. That result supports a C+ grade for Los Angeles Chargers.
Los Angeles Chargers received 1981 eleventh round pick (#280-Matt Petrzelka) in the deal with New York Giants. San Diego used the eleventh-round selection on Matt Petrzelka, who did not establish meaningful NFL production. The Chargers received little direct value from the draft asset. That outcome supports a D for Los Angeles Chargers. The Even Trade verdict weighs documented games, starts, production and connected draft value.
Los Angeles Chargers received Rick Partridge from New Orleans Saints. Rick Partridge handled the Chargers' punting duties across the full 16-game 1980 season, delivering a clear one-year special-teams return. That realized return supports a B grade for Los Angeles Chargers. The final verdict is Los Angeles Chargers Win, based on the regular-season service and draft value each club actually received after the exchange.
San Diego traded linebacker Don Goode to Cleveland in August 1980 for Cleveland's 1981 and 1983 fourth-round selections. Those picks became Eric Sievers and Danny Walters. Goode gave Cleveland two useful seasons, including a 16-start 1981 campaign, but San Diego turned the return into two multi-year contributors, giving the Chargers a substantial long-term advantage.
San Diego received the 1981 sixth-round choice at No. 141 and used it on Andrew Gissinger. Gissinger became a multi-season NFL player, turning a late selection into useful roster value and giving the Chargers the stronger realized side of the exchange. The B- grade reflects that realized football value and the complete supported package, while the overall verdict is Los Angeles Chargers Win.
The Chargers acquired running back John Cappelletti from the Rams in March 1980 for a 1982 second-round pick, later No. 49. Cappelletti gave San Diego three seasons of useful work, appearing in 35 games and making 19 starts from 1980 through 1982. The Rams retained meaningful draft value and later included the pick in a larger trade-up package, but Cappelletti's direct multi-season contribution gives the Chargers a narrow edge.
Los Angeles Chargers
Cleveland Browns received Rickey Anderson in the 1979-08-10 exchange with San Diego Chargers. Cleveland received Rickey Anderson, but the researched record does not show enough Browns value to create a large advantage in this modest veteran-for-pick exchange. Against San Diego Chargers' return of 1980 sixth round pick (#151-LaRue Harrington), that outcome supports a C grade. The transaction is judged Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win, with the mark tied to the football value that actually followed from the deal.
San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers received Charlie White in the exchange with Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Charlie White did not produce regular-season value for San Diego after the trade. Against the other side's return of 1980 tenth round pick (#275-Brett Davis), that outcome supports a C- grade. The transaction is ultimately judged as Even Trade, with the grade reflecting realized football value rather than the name or nominal value of the asset on the trade date.
Los Angeles Chargers received Mike Thomas in the exchange with Washington Commanders. Thomas played 24 Chargers games with 14 starts over two seasons, producing 837 rushing yards, 606 receiving yards and four rushing touchdowns. San Diego received substantial offensive production from the veteran. The B+ grade reflects the direct value Los Angeles Chargers realized from the deal, while the Los Angeles Chargers Win call weighs actual regular-season service and clearly connected draft value rather than name recognition alone.
Cleveland moved down from No. 13 to No. 20 and added the 47th pick, selecting Willis Adams and Sam Claphan. Neither player produced value close to the Hall of Fame career created by the pick the Browns surrendered. The trade gave Cleveland two chances instead of one, but the realized return was modest and the opportunity cost became enormous.
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.
Baltimore acquired Joe Washington and a 1979 fifth-round pick from San Diego. Washington immediately rushed for a career-high 958 yards in 1978, then led the NFL with 82 receptions in 1979 while adding 884 rushing yards. The fifth-round asset later helped Baltimore acquire quarterback Greg Landry, giving the Colts both high-end immediate production and additional transaction value.
San Diego Chargers received Glen Edwards in the 1978-08-22 exchange with Pittsburgh Steelers, giving up 1979 sixth round pick (#157-Bill Murrell). San Diego acquired veteran safety Glen Edwards, who joined the Chargers immediately after the August 1978 trade. That return supports a B- grade for San Diego Chargers. The final verdict is Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win, based on the football value tied directly to the assets in this deal.
Buffalo acquired veteran quarterback Bill Munson from the Chargers in August 1978 for a future seventh-round pick that became No. 175 and Chuck Loewen. Munson's Bills tenure produced limited value, while the Chargers preserved the draft asset and ultimately made the selection. The difference is modest, but the more durable asset outcome gives Los Angeles the edge.
San Diego received the future fourth-round pick used on quarterback Ed Luther. Luther spent five seasons with the Chargers, appeared in 61 games, made nine starts, and threw for 3,187 yards. That was meaningful reserve-quarterback value over an extended period, especially compared with Tampa Bay's complete lack of regular-season contribution from Booker Brown after the trade.
San Diego acquired veteran guard Ed White for Rickey Young and received an exceptional long-term starter for the Air Coryell era. White remained a fixture on the Chargers’ offensive line for eight seasons and earned Pro Bowl recognition. The Chargers get the slight edge, but Minnesota’s return was far stronger than a losing-side grade normally suggests.
Kansas City acquired wide receiver Larry Dorsey and received one season of useful depth. Dorsey played all 16 games for the Chiefs in 1978, catching nine passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns, but his Kansas City tenure ended after that season. The contribution was real, though much shorter than the multi-year value San Diego received from Wilbur Young.
Oakland received picks 207 and 291 in the 1978 draft from San Diego, using them on Mark Nichols and Dean Jones, while the Chargers received picks 200 and 248 and selected Dennis Sproul and Blake Whitlatch. Historical sources conflict on the exact pick pairing, but the contemporaneous transaction trail and Raiders draft record support this package. None of the four selections produced enough value to create a clear winner.
Detroit Lions received 1978 fifth round pick (#123-Dan Gray) and 1978 sixth round pick (#153-Tony Ardizzone) in the 1978-05-02 exchange, while San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers received Jim Laslavic. Detroit received the 1978 fifth-round choice at No. 123, used on Dan Gray, and the sixth-round choice at No. 153, used on Tony Ardizzone. The two selections created multiple chances, but neither produced enough value to overcome the Chargers’ side.
Los Angeles Chargers received 1979 tenth round pick (#265-Tony Petruccio) in the deal with Philadelphia Eagles. The tenth-round choice became Tony Petruccio, who did not establish an NFL regular-season career. That result supports a D for Los Angeles Chargers. The Even Trade verdict weighs the documented service and usable draft value each side actually realized from the exchange.
San Diego acquired veteran tight end Bob Klein by sending the Rams a future second-round pick. Klein then produced 91 catches, 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns over three Chargers seasons, so the club received real short-term value. The price became more significant when Los Angeles later used that pick in a package to move up for Johnnie Johnson.
Miami acquired the rights to 1977 San Diego draft pick Jim Stansik on July 14, 1977. The price was a conditional 1978 tenth-round choice only if Stansik made the Dolphins roster during the 1977 season; he was cut before the regular season, so the condition did not trigger.
The Rams acquired center Ed Flanagan from the Chargers for a 1978 fifth-round pick that became No. 135 John Choma. Flanagan was waived before playing for the Rams, and Choma never played for the Chargers, leaving little direct value on either side. In hindsight, the grades are C for San Diego Chargers and C for Los Angeles Rams, producing a Push verdict. The modest scoring reflects the limited scale of the transaction.
Arizona sent Clarence Duren to the Chargers in June 1977 and received a future 1978 fourth-round pick that became No. 96 and George Collins. The Cardinals converted the player into a meaningful mid-round draft asset, while Duren's Chargers return was more limited. Arizona therefore owns the better side of the trade once the transaction identifiers reflect only the real two-asset package.
Los Angeles Chargers received James Harris (Larnell), while Los Angeles Rams received 1979 fourth round pick (#99-Derwin Tucker). San Diego's trade history and the 1979 draft history confirm the June 7, 1977 acquisition of quarterback James Harris from the Rams for the future fourth-round selection that became No. 99 Derwin Tucker. That return earns a B grade for Los Angeles Chargers, and the overall verdict is Los Angeles Chargers Win.
Los Angeles Chargers received $20K cash in the exchange with Philadelphia Eagles. The return is graded C after weighing the transaction cost and the practical value visible in hindsight. The grade remains tied to documented value for the acquiring club, without assigning credit for unresolved or hypothetical downstream consideration.
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.
San Diego acquired defensive lineman Leroy Jones from the Rams for a 1977 second-round choice and $12,500. Jones became an immediate starter and a productive long-term Charger, giving San Diego exactly the kind of front-line return expected for premium draft capital. His sustained defensive value makes the acquisition worthwhile.
Dallas Cowboys received 1977 eighth round pick (#208-Al Cleveland) from Los Angeles Chargers. Al Cleveland never produced an NFL regular-season career, so Dallas did not realize meaningful on-field value from the selection it acquired. The D grade reflects the direct value Dallas Cowboys realized from the transaction, with the final Los Angeles Chargers Win call based on actual service and clearly traceable draft outcomes rather than projected value.
Dallas sent Clint Longley and the 1977 first-round pick that became Bob Rush to San Diego for 1977 selections No. 14 and No. 41. The Cowboys later packaged both choices with No. 30 and No. 54 to Seattle to move up for Tony Dorsett. That downstream use turned the deal into a major Dallas success.
Detroit Lions received $200 cash in the deal with Los Angeles Chargers. Detroit received $200 cash, a real but nominal return that did not create meaningful football value. That result supports a D for Detroit Lions. The Even Trade verdict weighs the documented service and usable draft value each side actually realized from the exchange.
The Chargers acquired veteran running back Eugene “Mercury” Morris from Miami in August 1976 for a 1977 fourth-round pick that became No. 98. Morris brought an accomplished name and immediate depth, but he did not create enough lasting Chargers value to separate the deal. Miami's pick also failed to produce a clear direct advantage, leaving the exchange essentially even.
Los Angeles Chargers received a 1977 ninth-round pick from New Orleans Saints in the 1976-08-10 trade; the exact selection remains unresolved. New Orleans received Halvor Hagen but released him before a regular-season appearance. San Diego therefore realized a late-round draft asset while New Orleans received no regular-season player value. That supports Chargers C+, Saints D, and a Chargers win.
Denver's August 1976 transaction with San Diego involved Joe Sullivan and a 1977 draft choice, but the deal was undone when Sullivan failed his physical and the pick was not exercised. The compensation should therefore appear once, not as two separate draft assets. Because the exchange did not mature into lasting player or draft value for either club, the most defensible hindsight result is an even trade.
Dallas received the future tenth-round choice associated with No. 265 in the 1977 draft, a selection later connected with Curtis Townsend in the existing record. The Cowboys subsequently moved the pick in another transaction and did not realize a clear direct player advantage from this exchange. The C grade preserves the appropriately cautious treatment of a modest and indirect return.
Detroit Lions received Mark Markovich in the 1976-07-22 exchange with San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. San Diego sent center Mark Markovich to Detroit on July 22, 1976 for guard Guy Dennis and the 1977 sixth-round choice used on Pete Shaw. The Chargers' official trade history supports the full two-asset return, while other recordss sometimes omit Dennis. The documented result supports a B- grade for Detroit Lions. The overall verdict is Detroit Lions Win, based on realized value rather than hypothetical upside.
San Diego Chargers received $100 cash in the 1976-07-20 exchange with Philadelphia Eagles, giving up Drew Mahalic. San Diego received only $100 cash for Drew Mahalic. That return supports a C- grade for San Diego Chargers. The final verdict is Philadelphia Eagles Win, based on the football value tied directly to the assets in this deal.
Oakland acquired linebacker Floyd Rice from San Diego for cash on July 17, 1976. Chargers trade history records the sale directly, and Raiders history shows Rice played 23 games with 11 starts over the next two seasons. San Diego received financial consideration but no football asset. The Raiders did not land a star, yet two seasons of usable linebacker work for cash make Oakland the clear modest winner.
Buffalo Bills received 1976 ninth round pick (#241-Jeff Turner), while Los Angeles Chargers received Halvor Hagen. San Diego acquired Halvor Hagen while Buffalo received ninth-round No. 241, Jeff Turner. The supported history provides enough detail to judge the exchange without overstating uncertain downstream information. Buffalo Bills earns a C- grade, and the overall verdict is Even Trade.
Atlanta received Sam Williams. The available record does not show a comparable regular-season contribution for the Falcons after the exchange, so Atlanta's return fell short of the immediate production Hayes supplied to San Diego. The C- grade reflects that realized football value and the complete supported package, while the overall verdict is Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win.
San Diego and Oakland swapped 1976 draft choices on April 8, 1976. The Chargers sent a fourth-round choice that became No. 110 Herb McMath and an eighth-round choice that became No. 220 Jerome Dove, while receiving a fourth-round choice that remains unidentified in the transaction ledger and a sixth-round choice that became No. 178 Calvin Lane. McMath immediately gave Oakland regular-season value on its Super Bowl XI championship team.
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.
San Diego sent quarterback Bobby Douglass and a 1976 third-round choice to New Orleans for linebacker Rick Middleton. Middleton spent multiple seasons with the Chargers but was primarily depth, starting only twice across his San Diego tenure. The return was serviceable, yet it did not match the immediate quarterback value New Orleans received.
Las Vegas Raiders received Franklin Tate / Frank Tate. The Raiders received Franklin Tate. Tate had already made his only NFL regular-season appearances with the Chargers and did not appear in a regular-season game for Oakland after the exchange. With no direct playing value realized from the acquisition, the Raiders' side of this straight player swap remained minimal. That result supports a C- grade for Las Vegas Raiders.
Oakland acquired defensive tackle Dave Rowe from San Diego for a 1976 fourth-round choice. Rowe became a major immediate success, starting 28 games across the 1976 and 1977 seasons and anchoring the middle of the Raiders defense during their Super Bowl XI championship year. San Diego used the pick on Ron Singleton, a useful lineman, but Rowe’s championship contribution gives Oakland the edge.
San Diego acquired running back Tony Baker from the Los Angeles Rams in September 1975 for one 1976 fifth-round pick, No. 128 Carl Ekern. The separate 1977 Cliff Olander pick does not belong in this trade. Ekern became the far more durable NFL contributor, giving the Rams a strong hindsight return from a modest draft investment.
Dallas Cowboys received 1976 seventh round pick (#186-Greg Schaum). Dallas received the 1976 seventh-round choice used on Greg Schaum. Schaum appeared in twelve games for the Cowboys as a rookie, providing modest immediate depth from a late-round selection. The return was useful but short of major impact, and it compares reasonably with the limited service San Diego obtained from Ken Hutcherson. That result supports a C grade for Dallas Cowboys.
San Diego acquired tight end Pat Curran and running back Howard Strickland from the Rams for a 1977 third-round choice. Curran immediately became a productive Chargers starter, catching 45 passes for 619 yards in 1975 and starting all 14 games in each of his first two San Diego seasons. The Rams used No. 68 on Ed Fulton, whose NFL career lasted nine games. San Diego won decisively.
Baltimore sent tight end Ron Mayo to San Diego on July 29, 1975, and received a sixth-round selection in the 1976 draft. Chargers club records consistently identify the compensation as a sixth-round pick, resolving the earlier round uncertainty. Mayo did not appear in a regular-season game for San Diego, while the exact player ultimately produced by Baltimore’s pick remains unidentified, leaving little demonstrated value on either side.
San Diego traded wide receiver John Carroll to Chicago on July 28, 1975. Contemporary-style Chargers records describe the compensation as a conditional 1977 seventh-round choice that could become a sixth-rounder if the pick was not owed to Philadelphia in the Mark Nordquist trade, while later Chargers trade-history summaries list the realized return simply as a 1977 seventh-round pick.
San Diego traded cornerback Leonard Dunlap to the New York Giants on July 22, 1975 for the Giants' 1976 fifth-round draft choice. Official Chargers trade history confirms the straight player-for-pick exchange. Dunlap did not appear in a Giants regular-season game, and the surviving draft ledgers do not let TradeVerdicts identify with confidence which San Diego selection ultimately represented that acquired fifth-round asset.
Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers received Bruce Bannon, while Miami Dolphins received Pete Lazetich. Bannon lasted one week with San Diego before the Chargers later turned him into a 1976 ninth-round pick; Lazetich brought Miami no lasting value. The hindsight grades are B- for Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers and D+ for Miami Dolphins, producing a Los Angeles Chargers Win verdict.
San Diego traded defensive tackle Ron East to Cleveland in July 1975 for the Browns' 1977 fifth-round selection, No. 128, later used on quarterback Cliff Olander. Olander appeared in 15 NFL games for the Chargers and made one start, while East gave Cleveland veteran defensive-line help. Neither side found a major long-term prize, so the direct East-for-Olander-pick exchange lands near even.
Los Angeles Chargers: San Diego converted the pick into Woodrow Lowe, who became a long-term Chargers linebacker and supplied years of dependable defensive production. The A grade reflects only value tied directly to this transaction, including production or draft value the club itself controlled. Against New England Patriots, that supported return leads to the final verdict of Los Angeles Chargers Win.
Denver acquired defensive back Reggie Berry from San Diego in exchange for Maurice Tyler. Contemporary material identifies the incoming player as Reggie Berry, and Berry did not appear in a regular-season game for the Broncos. Tyler, by contrast, played 13 games for the Chargers in 1975, leaving Denver with the smaller realized football return from this player-for-player exchange.
Los Angeles/San Diego acquired veteran center Ed Flanagan from Detroit on May 29, 1975, for a 1976 second-round pick that Detroit ultimately exercised at No. 46 on tight end David Hill. Flanagan immediately started 25 games across two Chargers seasons. Hill developed into a long-term Lions starter and two-time Pro Bowler, giving Detroit the larger realized return despite meaningful short-term value for the Chargers.
Oakland acquired Ray Carr, Blenda Gay and Harold Paul from San Diego for two 1975 draft choices: No. 284 Ike McBee and No. 335 Glen Printers. The Raiders turned two very late selections into three players, while the Chargers chose future roster shots instead. The quantity and immediate certainty of Oakland's return make this a modest Raiders win.
Buffalo Bills received 1976 fifth round pick (selection not identified) from Los Angeles Chargers on 1975-01-28, while Los Angeles Chargers received 1975 fifth round pick (125th overall, Charles Waddell). The final verdict is Even Trade, with Buffalo Bills graded C and Los Angeles Chargers graded C. The result weighs realized football value and the certainty of the historical consideration rather than simply counting names or picks.
Two linked January 28, 1975 Chicago-San Diego transactions produced an aggregate exchange in which the Chargers landed the pick used on Mike Fuller plus Jim Harrison, while Chicago received Cid Edwards and the pick used on Tom Hicks. Fuller became a six-year Chargers defensive back and elite punt returner; Hicks also had a useful career. San Diego wins because Fuller was the strongest asset, but Chicago received real value.
Cleveland received tight end Jim Thaxton, who gave the Browns actual regular-season games and starts after the move. That direct use matters in a small transaction because it established a real lineup return instead of leaving the club dependent on a future selection developing. That result supports a B- grade within the Cleveland Browns Win verdict.
The Chargers received the 1975 sixth-round choice at No. 151, then moved that pick to Chicago for Jim Harrison before the Bears selected Tom Hicks. Harrison did not deliver a regular-season return for San Diego, so the downstream value was minimal. That outcome supports a D+ grade within the Los Angeles Rams Win verdict. The grade reflects realized football value rather than the size of the original package.
Buffalo Bills: Buffalo received Dave Costa and gained meaningful defensive-line work from the veteran after the trade. The B- grade reflects only value tied directly to this transaction, including production or draft value the club itself controlled. Against Los Angeles Chargers, that supported return leads to the final verdict of Buffalo Bills Win.
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.
New York acquired rookie running back Bill Rudder from San Diego on August 29, 1974 in a deal initially listed for the Giants' 1975 seventh-round draft choice. Rudder, the 59th overall pick earlier that year, was released by New York on September 12 before appearing in a regular-season game. The 1975 draft record shows the Giants retained their own seventh-round selection, so no realized pick moved to the Chargers.
San Diego acquired defensive lineman Dave Rowe from New England in August 1974 for a 1975 sixth-round pick that became No. 150, Charles Miller. Older source wording attached confusing provenance to the selection, but the direct compensation is identifiable. The Chargers gained veteran line help, while New England converted Rowe into future draft capital and receives the slight value edge.
Oakland acquired veteran safety Ron Smith from San Diego on August 15, 1974 for 1975 fourth- and eighth-round selections. San Diego used the fourth-rounder at No. 101 on Ken Bernich and the eighth-rounder at No. 206 on Ralph Perretta. Smith was a veteran safety moving to Oakland, while San Diego's compensation was entirely future draft capital. That balance of realized value gives the edge to Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers.
On 1974-08-12, Los Angeles Chargers received 1977 third round pick (#77-Keith King), while Washington Commanders received Deacon Jones and 1975 eighth round pick (#189-Wayne Hoffman). The final verdict is Washington Redskins/Commanders Win, with Los Angeles Chargers graded C and Washington Commanders graded B. The hindsight view follows the documented consideration and later traceable value without treating every named pick outcome as if it had been directly exchanged on trade day. Both sides have identifiable consideration, allowing the hindsight grade to focus on what those assets actually became.
Chicago Bears received Tom Forrest, while Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers received $100 cash. Forrest played eight regular-season games for Chicago after the Bears paid only $100 for the rookie. The hindsight grades are B for Chicago Bears and C for Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers, producing a Chicago Bears Win verdict.
San Diego acquired Jon Knoble for only $100, an extremely small price even for a fringe roster move. Knoble did not go on to create meaningful regular-season NFL value for the Chargers, so the club gained little beyond the opportunity to evaluate him. The minimal cost keeps the outcome from grading harshly.
Buffalo Bills received $100 cash in the 1974-08-02 exchange with San Diego Chargers, giving up Fred Forsberg. Buffalo received $100 cash for Fred Forsberg. That return supports a C- grade for Buffalo Bills. The final verdict is Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win, based on the football value tied directly to the assets in this deal.
Washington received safety Bryant Salter plus the 1975 eighth-round choice that became Wayne Hoffman. San Diego ultimately received a 1976 third-round pick, a 1977 second-round pick and a 1977 third-round pick after the conditional terms were settled. Salter started 13 games for Washington in 1975. Washington got a useful starter and an additional pick, but San Diego accumulated three higher future selections and later used or moved those assets in subsequent transactions. The Chargers hold a narrow value edge rather than the lopsided result the old record implied.
San Diego acquired defensive lineman Dennis Wirgowski from Philadelphia on February 25, 1974 for a conditional 1975 eighth-round draft choice that depended on Wirgowski making the Chargers. He appeared in San Diego's 1974 preseason plans but did not make the final squad, so the conditional choice was rescinded. With no regular-season Chargers contribution and no draft pick ultimately transferred to Philadelphia, neither club realized lasting value.
The Chargers traded veteran guard Walt Sweeney to Washington for a 1974 fifth-rounder, a 1975 sixth-rounder, and a 1976 fourth-rounder. The 1976 selection is correctly No. 115 Artie Owens, not No. 110 Herb McMath. Turning one veteran into three draft assets gave the Chargers the broader long-term return and a modest 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.
San Diego traded linebacker Bob Babich and a 1975 fourth-round pick to Cleveland for the 1974 first-round selection used on Don Goode and the 1975 second-round selection used on Louie Kelcher. Babich became a six-year Browns regular, so Cleveland received legitimate value. Kelcher, however, became a Chargers Hall of Famer and one of the franchise's best defensive linemen, giving San Diego the stronger return.
Minnesota sent Clint Jones and Carl Gersbach to San Diego for 1974 second- and third-round selections. The Vikings used those picks on John Holland and Steve Craig, giving Minnesota two meaningful draft assets for veterans whose Chargers impact was limited. Neither drafted player became a star, but the two-pick return still gives the Vikings a clear, moderate advantage.
Buffalo Bills received 1974 fifth round pick (#106-Gary Hayman), while Los Angeles Chargers received Mike Stratton. Buffalo sent Mike Stratton to San Diego for the 1974 fifth-round choice that became No. 106 Gary Hayman. The supported history provides enough detail to judge the exchange without overstating uncertain downstream information. Buffalo Bills earns a C grade, and the overall verdict is Los Angeles Chargers Win.
Atlanta received a 1974 eighth-round selection in exchange for Louis Ross. The exact downstream Atlanta selection remains unidentified, so the return cannot be credited to a specific player with confidence. Even so, the Falcons retained legitimate draft capital from the deal. That modest value is enough to edge San Diego because Ross did not make a regular-season appearance for the Chargers.
San Diego received cash; Denver received Ray Jones. Contemporary reporting and player transaction history show San Diego sold Ray Jones to Denver on August 1, 1973. Denver released Jones before he produced regular-season service there, and he later appeared for New Orleans instead. The hindsight grades are D+ for Denver Broncos and C+ for San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, producing a Los Angeles Chargers Win verdict.
The Chargers moved running back Duane Thomas to Washington and received a 1975 first-round pick plus a 1976 second-round pick. The first-rounder became Mike Williams at No. 22 in 1975. Thomas had already been a prominent but volatile back, so San Diego converted a short-term asset into two future chances to replenish the roster.
The Chargers acquired defensive back and return specialist Ron Smith from Chicago for the 1974 third-round pick used on Wayne Wheeler. Smith immediately led the NFL in punt-return average, scored two punt-return touchdowns, and started nine games for San Diego in 1973. The Chargers then traded him for two more picks in 1974, creating a decisive value advantage.
San Diego traded defensive back Chuck Detwiler, defensive end Lee Thomas, and a player to be named later to Buffalo on April 10, 1973 for the Bills' 1974 second-round pick. The Chargers used No. 43 on offensive lineman Mark Markovich, who appeared in 23 regular-season games for San Diego across 1974-75. Detwiler and Thomas did not play a regular-season game for Buffalo after the trade, while the later player's identity remains unresolved.
The Rams acquired quarterback John Hadl from the Chargers for Coy Bacon and Bob Thomas. Hadl immediately led Los Angeles to a 12-2 record in 1973 and earned NFC Player of the Year honors, then became the centerpiece of a massive five-pick trade with Green Bay in 1974.
Baltimore acquired San Diego's 1973 eighth-round pick, No. 189, and used it on defensive back Ray Oldham in exchange for veteran Tom Matte. Oldham became a multi-season Colts contributor with meaningful starting time, while Matte did not provide San Diego regular-season value after the transaction. The conversion of a retiring veteran into years of defensive depth makes this a clear Colts win.
San Diego acquired Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas from Baltimore on January 22, 1973 for future considerations that later records describe as cash, commonly reported as $150,000. Unitas played five games with four starts for the Chargers, going 1-3 while throwing for 471 yards, three touchdowns and seven interceptions. He was replaced by rookie Dan Fouts and retired after the season, making the acquisition far more important historically than competitively.
Cleveland acquired defensive tackle George Wright from San Diego in September 1972 for a 1973 fifth-round pick that became No. 125, Jon Knoble. San Diego's earlier acquisition of Wright from Baltimore was a separate transaction and does not change this package. Cleveland bought immediate line help, while the Chargers secured future draft value and hold a narrow advantage.
Baltimore sent defensive back Leonard Dunlap to San Diego on September 4, 1972 for the Chargers' 1973 fourth-round selection. The Colts used that pick, No. 85, on receiver Ollie Smith. San Diego received immediate secondary depth from Dunlap, but his Chargers impact was not substantial enough to outweigh Baltimore's clean conversion of the veteran into a defined mid-round asset.
Baltimore acquired quarterback Marty Domres from San Diego in August 1972 for tight end John Andrews and the 1973 first-round pick Baltimore had obtained from Washington. San Diego used that selection at No. 25 on Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers, while Domres became the Colts’ primary starter during a turbulent 1972 season.
Denver traded defensive tackle Dave Costa to San Diego on August 1, 1972 for running back Eddie Ray and a 1973 third-round selection used on John Wood. Ray never appeared in a Broncos regular-season game and Wood never played for Denver. Costa immediately became a Chargers starter and opened all 28 games across the 1972 and 1973 seasons.
Baltimore sent George Wright to San Diego and received a package that included the 1972 eighth-round pick used on Al Qualls, a 1973 fourth-round pick used on Ollie Smith, a 1973 eighth-round pick used on Ray Oldham, and other compensation described incompletely in the surviving record. The documented return gave Baltimore multiple assets, but the uncertain details and modest downstream results limit any clear separation.
Dallas Cowboys received Billy Parks and (James) Mike Montgomery. Dallas received Billy Parks and Mike Montgomery. Parks became a useful player and also figured into a later asset chain, while Montgomery added another roster piece. The Cowboys therefore received two tangible assets for a player who never appeared in a regular-season game for San Diego, creating a clear Dallas advantage. That stronger outcome supports a B+ grade for Dallas Cowboys.
San Diego acquired linebacker Tim Rossovich from Philadelphia in 1972 for its 1973 first-round pick. Philadelphia ultimately used the No. 6 selection on USC tight end Charle Young, who became an immediate Pro Bowl player and a major piece of the Eagles’ offense for several seasons.
Oakland acquired running back Jeff Queen from San Diego on July 31, 1972 for a 1973 third-round selection. Queen contributed only briefly to the Raiders. San Diego used the future pick, No. 64 overall, on quarterback Dan Fouts, who spent 15 seasons with the Chargers, threw for 43,040 yards, made six Pro Bowls and eventually entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Chicago acquired veteran defensive lineman Steve DeLong, but his Bears tenure came at the end of his NFL career and produced limited lasting value. The C grade reflects a legitimate veteran acquisition without a substantial long-term payoff. San Diego's eventual use of the fourth-round selection on Jim Thaxton produced the stronger realized return and supports the Chargers Win verdict.
San Diego acquired defensive tackle John Richardson from Miami on July 11, 1972 for a 1973 sixth-round draft choice. Historical listings support the round and year, but the eventual player tied to the selection cannot be established confidently, so the pick remains unidentified. Richardson gave the Chargers a veteran defensive-line option, while Miami converted a movable veteran into future draft capital during its championship-era roster construction.
Buffalo Bills received 1973 conditional pick (#110-Wallace Francis). Buffalo received the conditional 1973 choice that became No. 110 and used it on Wallace Francis. Francis went on to a multi-year NFL career, giving Buffalo tangible value from the acquired draft asset. That direct player outcome was more useful than the limited Chargers contribution from Cal Snowden. That stronger outcome supports a B- grade for Buffalo Bills.
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.
San Diego traded defensive tackle Andy Rice to Kansas City in early May 1972 for a 1973 seventh-round draft choice. Contemporary UPI reporting described the return as a future draft choice, while the Chargers' own trade history identifies it as a seventh-rounder. Rice was released by Kansas City on September 14 without appearing in a Chiefs regular-season game.
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.
The Chargers received Ed Philpott, but he did not appear on San Diego's 1972 or 1973 regular-season rosters. The player therefore produced little direct football value for the club after the exchange. That outcome supports a D+ grade within the Even Trade verdict. The grade reflects realized football value rather than the size of the original package.
Baltimore sent defensive tackle George Wright to San Diego and received the 1972 fourth-round pick used on Eric Allen plus the eighth-round pick used on Al Qualls. Both selections became concrete Colts draft assets, while Wright's Chargers stay was brief. San Diego later recovered a 1973 fifth-round choice by moving him to Cleveland, but Baltimore still created the stronger return from the original exchange.
Arizona Cardinals received Walker Gillette and Leon Burns; Gillette started 22 games across two St. Louis seasons with 53 catches for 794 yards and three touchdowns, while Burns had 69 rushing yards and two scores in his lone Cardinals season. The team earns a C+, compared with B for Los Angeles Chargers, and the hindsight verdict is Los Angeles Chargers Win. That judgment reflects the concrete team-specific production, role and tenure created by the assets in this deal.
San Diego acquired Deacon Jones, Greg Wojcik and Lee White from the Rams on January 29, 1972 for Jeff Staggs plus second- and third-round draft capital that became Jim Bertelsen, Cullen Bryant and Tim Stokes. Jones immediately made the Pro Bowl for the Chargers, but the Rams collected multiple useful pieces with longer combined value. The broader package gives Los Angeles the historical edge.
Dallas reacquired veteran tackle Tony Liscio during the 1971 season and received immediate value at exactly the right time. Liscio became a starter down the stretch and remained in the lineup through the Cowboys' championship postseason, culminating in Super Bowl VI. That timely contribution gave Dallas far more practical value than the fifth-round pick it surrendered, supporting a B+ grade for the Cowboys.
Los Angeles Chargers received Eddie Ray. Eddie Ray appeared only briefly for the Chargers after the trade, so Los Angeles received little durable value from the player side of the exchange. That result supports a D+ grade for Los Angeles Chargers. The final verdict is New England Patriots Win, based on the documented service, durability, and value each club actually obtained from this exchange.
San Diego acquired center Carl Mauck, who became a durable starter and opened 54 of 55 games for the Chargers from 1971 through 1974. That level of sustained offensive-line availability gave the club a reliable multi-year foundation piece. Mauck's starting volume and longevity are the strongest direct value in the transaction and create a clear Chargers advantage.
Denver acquired running back Dickie Post from San Diego for a 1972 second-round pick, No. 30 overall. Post's Broncos stint lasted only six games and produced 44 rushing yards. The Chargers later used that premium pick as part of the package that brought Deacon Jones from the Rams, increasing the downstream value of the asset. San Diego wins because Denver received too little for a second-round price.
San Diego acquired Jerry LeVias, who gave the Chargers four seasons of receiving and return work with substantial starting time. The longer tenure gave San Diego steady offensive and special-teams value from one player. That durability is a real advantage, although Houston received two immediate starters in the same exchange, keeping the overall comparison much closer than LeVias' longevity alone might suggest.
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.
Dallas acquired Hall of Fame receiver Lance Alworth from the Chargers in May 1971 for Pettis Norman, Ron East and Tony Liscio. The move was connected to the Cowboys' simultaneous Lance Rentzel deal with the Rams, but the Chargers' direct return came from Dallas. Alworth immediately helped a championship offense and scored the first touchdown of Dallas' Super Bowl VI victory.
Atlanta received future draft choices in exchange for Rich Stepanek. Contemporary accounts support a plural draft return, including reference to a high 1972 choice, although the exact rounds and downstream selections cannot be confirmed safely. Preserving the package as future draft choices recognizes the supported consideration without assigning speculative pick identities and leaves Atlanta with the stronger documented value.
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 Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers exchanged J.R. Wilburn for Brad Hubbert. Hubbert had been productive for San Diego before the trade, totaling 1,270 rushing yards in his career, but his last NFL season was 1970. Because hindsight grading focuses on what each new club actually received, prior accomplishments do not create post-trade value. In hindsight, neither side created a meaningful advantage, so the exchange remains even after weighing actual post-trade service rather than the names or nominal asset types involved.
San Diego moved Jim Schmedding to New England and received the Patriots' 1972 sixth-round choice, although the exact selection cannot be identified confidently. Schmedding's recorded NFL playing career ended after his 1970 Chargers season, so New England did not receive a regular-season payoff from the acquisition. Even without a traced downstream pick, San Diego retained the slightly better practical position.
Los Angeles Chargers received Doug Wilkerson. Doug Wilkerson became a 14-year Chargers mainstay, played 195 games for the franchise, and earned three Pro Bowls along with All-Pro recognition. That outcome supports a A+ grade because the return is measured by the direct football value Los Angeles Chargers actually received after the deal, compared with the asset sent the other way.
Kansas City received San Diego's 1971 second-round pick, No. 39, and used it on Wilbur Young. The premium draft slot gave the Chiefs a meaningful asset, but Young did not provide a return comparable to the production Mike Garrett delivered after going to San Diego. Kansas City gained future value on paper without matching the Chargers' realized multi-season contribution.
San Diego acquired rookie center Bill Pierson from the New York Jets on August 24, 1970 for an undisclosed draft choice. Pierson had been New York's 12th-round pick at No. 306 out of San Diego State but never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. The surviving public record does not identify the selection ultimately received by the Jets, leaving New York with the only documented contractual return and San Diego without measurable field production.
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.
San Diego traded the rights to retired star tackle Ron Mix to Oakland on June 3, 1970 for two future choices described contemporaneously as high selections in the 1971 and 1972 drafts. Mix returned to football for Oakland in 1971 and appeared in 12 games with four starts. The exact San Diego selections remain unidentified, so their eventual downstream value cannot be measured confidently.
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.
Los Angeles Chargers received Bob Miller. The locked Wave 209 research supports the D grade after comparing the direct production and draft value attributable to this transaction. The evaluation excludes unrelated later moves and unsupported assumptions. Against New Orleans Saints, that documented return supports the final verdict of Even Trade.
Los Angeles Chargers received Joe Owens. The Chargers received Joe Owens and got an immediate 14-start 1970 season with strong pass-rushing production from him. San Diego got the stronger immediate season, while New Orleans later recovered Owens and gained additional service, leaving the overall outcome close. That outcome supports a B grade for Los Angeles Chargers.
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.
The Chargers acquired cornerback Randy Beverly from the Jets, but Beverly did not become a meaningful regular-season contributor for San Diego after the exchange. The player-for-player structure gave the Chargers a straightforward opportunity to add secondary help, yet the realized return remained minimal. Because Rich Trapp likewise failed to create a material advantage for New York, the Chargers' side fits a C- grade and an even verdict.
Los Angeles Chargers received Don Alley. Don Alley did not produce a comparable Chargers regular-season return after San Diego sent veteran linebacker Chuck Allen to Pittsburgh. That outcome supports a D grade because the return is measured by the direct football value Los Angeles Chargers actually received after the deal, compared with the asset sent the other way.
Los Angeles Chargers
Buffalo sent receiver Richard Trapp to the Chargers and received the 1970 third-round pick used on Glenn Alexander. Alexander played 13 games for the Bills as a rookie, catching four passes for 51 yards and handling kickoff-return work. Trapp’s Chargers stint lasted only eight games with two catches for 39 yards. Neither return became a major piece, but Buffalo extracted slightly more usable value.
San Diego traded guard Larry Little to Miami for cornerback Mack Lamb after two seasons of uncertainty about Little’s role and conditioning. Lamb never appeared in another professional game, while Little developed into one of the defining offensive linemen of the 1970s and eventually entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Chargers surrendered elite future value and received essentially no on-field return.
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.
San Diego acquired linebacker Bob Bruggers from Miami during the 1968 season for cash. Bruggers played five games for the Chargers that year, then remained with the club through 1971 and accumulated 33 games with 14 starts for San Diego. Miami received financial consideration but no lasting football asset. The multi-season linebacker service makes the Chargers the better side of the deal.
Buffalo Bills received 1969 fifth round pick (#105-Ben Mayes), while Los Angeles Chargers received Keith Lincoln. San Diego reacquired Keith Lincoln while Buffalo received the 1969 fifth-round choice used at No. 105 on Ben Mayes. Lincoln's return lasted only one game and Mayes never generated regular-season value for Buffalo, so neither side created a meaningful advantage. Buffalo Bills earns a D+ grade, and the overall verdict is Even Trade.
Los Angeles Chargers received Tom Erlandson (a). The Chargers acquired Tom Erlandson and received 10 starts from him in 1968, along with two interceptions and meaningful defensive work. A season of starting defensive value clearly exceeds the outcome of a late-round pick that generated little professional impact. That outcome supports a B grade for Los Angeles Chargers.
Buffalo acquired quarterback Kay Stephenson from the Chargers and received immediate playing time in 1968. Stephenson appeared in ten games and handled a substantial amount of passing work, giving the Bills useful quarterback depth and real regular-season snaps. The fifth-round pick sent to the Chargers did not produce a comparable return for Los Angeles, so Buffalo's realized value supports a B- grade.
San Diego acquired quarterback Jon Brittenum from Miami for a 1968 third-round pick, No. 73. Brittenum appeared in 14 AFL games but completed only nine passes for 125 yards, while Miami used the pick on safety Dick Anderson. Anderson became a 121-game Dolphin, three-time Pro Bowler, two-time first-team All-Pro, two-time Super Bowl champion and 1973 AP Defensive Player of the Year, making the gap enormous.
Denver acquired quarterback Steve Tensi from San Diego for first-round picks in 1968 and 1969. Tensi started for the Broncos but never became the long-term answer that the price demanded. The Chargers used the selections on Russ Washington and Marty Domres, and Washington developed into a long-term starting lineman. San Diego received the stronger return and earns the decisive win.
Buffalo acquired Keith Lincoln from San Diego for Tom Day and the 1967 second-round pick used on Bob Howard. Lincoln gave the Bills excellent immediate production in 1967, making the deal worthwhile in the short term, but his second Buffalo stint was brief. San Diego's return produced the stronger long-term asset in Howard.
San Diego received defensive lineman Scott Appleton and linebacker Johnny Baker, and both gave the Chargers useful 1967 service. Appleton started all 14 games, while Baker also contributed to the defense. That is a solid two-player return, but it was outweighed by the immediate star-level season Houston received from cornerback Miller Farr.
San Diego acquired veteran linebacker Archie Matsos from Denver during the 1966 season after Chargers middle linebacker Chuck Allen was lost to a broken leg. Matsos appeared in four regular-season games for San Diego and started all four. The reviewed public record confirms the player movement but does not identify a specific Denver draft-pick return, so the older two-pick description is removed rather than preserved as fact.
San Diego received John Baker, Gary Cutsinger, and Pete Jaquess from Houston while sending Ernie Ladd and Earl Faison to the Oilers. The surviving record does not securely connect the transaction to a specific additional draft return, and the downstream value is difficult to separate with confidence. The documented player exchange therefore supports a balanced result rather than a clear winner.
Las Vegas Raiders received loan of Bobby Jackson. The locked Wave 209 research supports the B- grade after comparing the direct production and draft value attributable to this transaction. The evaluation excludes unrelated later moves and unsupported assumptions. Against Los Angeles Chargers, that documented return supports the final verdict of Oakland Raiders Win.
San Diego sold guard Sam DeLuca to the New York Jets for an undisclosed sum in July 1964. The transaction should be dated July 9, not July 8. DeLuca then became a regular Jets lineman and continued playing through 1966, giving New York several seasons of useful service for cash. San Diego received financial consideration but no football asset, so the Jets earn the stronger grade.
Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers received 1964 seventh round pick (#51-Roger Anderson) in the exchange with New York Jets. San Diego's seventh-round return became Roger Anderson, but Anderson did not deliver value comparable to Plunkett's work in New York. The supported hindsight grade is D. That mark reflects realized value tied directly to this transaction, with the overall result recorded as New York Jets Win.
Los Angeles Chargers received 1964 fifth round pick (#36-Pete Goimarac). The Chargers received the 1964 fifth-round choice used on Pete Goimarac, but the selection did not produce an AFL or NFL playing career. Hudson's limited Patriots service still exceeded the outcome of a Chargers draft pick that produced no professional playing return. That outcome supports a D+ grade for Los Angeles Chargers.
Buffalo Bills received Richard Hudson / Dick Hudson; Frank Lasky; rights to Harrison Rosdahl / Hatch Rosdahl in the 1963-01-14 exchange with San Diego Chargers. Dick Hudson became a long-term Buffalo starter and championship-era contributor, giving the Bills durable value from a package that also included Frank Lasky and rights to Hatch Rosdahl. The direct package is the basis for the hindsight grade, with later movement of an acquired selection treated separately. That supports Even Trade.
Oakland acquired guard Dan Ficca and immediately received a full season of service. Ficca played all 14 Raiders games in 1962 and made three starts, giving the club direct value from the transaction. That contribution exceeded what San Diego ultimately realized from the associated draft choice, which did not produce Chargers service from Dave Robinson.
Denver acquired Bob Scarpitto, Bob Zeman and Luther Hayes from San Diego for cash on March 15, 1962. The deal paid off quickly: Scarpitto caught 35 passes for 667 yards and six touchdowns in 1962, while Zeman started all 14 games, intercepted six passes and earned All-AFL recognition. Hayes did not become a regular-season contributor, but the two established starters make Denver the clear winner.
Oakland Raiders received Jim Norris from Los Angeles Chargers in the 1962-03-01 exchange. Jim Norris appeared in 22 games for Oakland from 1962 through 1964, while Bert Coan's brief Chargers stay produced less direct value before his better-known Kansas City years. Measured by what Oakland Raiders actually realized after the deal, the return supports a B- grade and represents the stronger realized return. The overall judgment is Oakland Raiders Win.
San Diego acquired the AFL rights to Lance Alworth from Oakland for Bo Roberson, Gene Selawski and Hunter Enis; one transaction history also lists an unnamed fourth player. Alworth became a Hall of Fame receiver and one of the defining stars of the AFL. Oakland received useful play from Roberson, but nothing approaching Alworth's franchise-changing career.
Los Angeles Chargers received Tom Greene. The locked Wave 209 research supports the D grade after comparing the direct production and draft value attributable to this transaction. The evaluation excludes unrelated later moves and unsupported assumptions. Against New England Patriots, that documented return supports the final verdict of Even Trade.
Los Angeles Chargers received rights to Ben Agajanian from New York Titans in the 1960-09-01 exchange. Bob Reifsnyder started 11 games for New York in 1960, while Ben Agajanian kicked in all 14 Chargers games and made 13 field goals plus 46 extra points. Measured by what Los Angeles Chargers actually realized after the deal, the return supports a B grade and represents roughly even direct value. The overall judgment is Even Trade.
Las Vegas Raiders received Charley Powell from Los Angeles Chargers. Powell gave the Raiders multiple seasons of defensive-line service and represented a legitimate return for a young franchise. The C+ grade reflects the direct value Las Vegas Raiders realized from the transaction, with the final Los Angeles Chargers Win call based on actual service and clearly traceable draft outcomes rather than projected value.
Boston traded the AFL rights to tackle Ron Mix to the Los Angeles Chargers for quarterback Tom Greene. Mix became a nine-time All-AFL selection, helped the Chargers win the 1963 AFL championship and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Greene played only 11 professional games with two starts, creating one of the largest possible gaps in realized value.