Indianapolis traded linebacker Vernon Maxwell to San Diego on…
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.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- pick 1986 fifth-round pick (No. 124 overall - Gary Walker)
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Vernon Maxwell
Trade Analysis
Why San Diego Took the Chance
Vernon Maxwell had been the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1983, so the Chargers could reasonably see upside when Indianapolis made him available in August 1985. San Diego paid a 1986 fifth-round pick, a manageable price for a talented linebacker entering his third professional season. Contemporary coverage framed the move as a calculated gamble on a player who needed a fresh start.
What Happened With Maxwell
The gamble ended almost immediately. Maxwell did not make it through the Chargers' final preseason reduction. San Diego placed him on waivers on August 27, less than four weeks after acquiring him. He therefore contributed no regular-season games to the Chargers. When a team spends a fifth-round choice on a veteran and receives no regular-season service, the trade cost becomes difficult to justify regardless of the player's earlier reputation.
What Indianapolis Received
The Colts retained the 1986 fifth-round selection and used No. 124 overall on center Gary Walker. Walker did not become an Indianapolis contributor and appeared in only one NFL game, later with Dallas. That keeps the Colts' grade modest. Still, Indianapolis successfully turned a player it was prepared to move into a top-125 draft choice, preserving a real opportunity to add younger talent.
How the Value Settled
Neither side gained much on the field. The difference is that Indianapolis extracted draft capital before Maxwell's value fell further, while San Diego lost that pick and cut the acquired player before the season. The Colts' eventual selection did not work out, but the transaction itself created a better chance than the Chargers received.
Final Verdict
Indianapolis earns a B- and San Diego/Los Angeles a D. The Colts did not capitalize on the pick, yet obtaining a fifth-rounder for a player who soon failed to make the other roster was still sound value. This is an Indianapolis Colts Win.