Kansas City traded running back Jewerl Thomas to San Diego in…
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.
Kansas City Chiefs Received
- pick 1985 seventh round pick (#180-Vince Thomson)
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Jewerl Thomas
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
The Chargers' historical draft records identify the deal as an April 30, 1984 trade in which San Diego sent its 1985 seventh-round choice to Kansas City for running back Jewerl Thomas. Draft-transaction records trace that selection to No. 180 overall in 1985, where the Chiefs selected Missouri Western defensive lineman Vince Thomson. A player transaction history lists Thomas with San Diego on May 1, a one-day processing difference that does not change the supported package.
What Kansas City Received
Kansas City received the future seventh-round selection and used it on Thomson. Multiple draft histories confirm that he was the No. 180 pick in 1985. He did not become a regular-season NFL contributor for the Chiefs, so the pick did not translate into meaningful professional value. The Chiefs gained future draft flexibility, but the realized return stopped at the selection itself.
What San Diego Received
Thomas did contribute for the Chargers in 1984. NFL statistics credit him with seven games, 14 rushing attempts, 43 yards and two touchdowns. Those are modest numbers, and his San Diego tenure lasted only that season, but the club did receive actual regular-season production from the player it acquired.
How the Value Aged
Neither side found a long-term building block. Kansas City's asset became a late-round draft choice whose selected player never generated NFL production, while San Diego received one short season from Thomas. That is not enough for a wide grade spread, but it is enough to separate the outcomes slightly because the Chargers received measurable on-field value.
Final Verdict
The Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win with a C+ grade, while Kansas City receives a C. San Diego's advantage is narrow and based on realized production rather than major impact.