Los Angeles Chargers–New Orleans Saints Trade History

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.