Los Angeles sent Barry Redden to San Diego for fullback…
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.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Barry Redden
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Buford McGee
- pick 1988 second round pick (#46, Flipper Anderson)
- pick 1989 conditional pick (#148, Thom Kaumeyer)
Trade Analysis
The Documented Exchange
In June 1987, the Rams traded Barry Redden to the San Diego Chargers after the former first-round running back had repeatedly sought a larger role. Contemporary Los Angeles Times coverage records the return as Buford McGee, San Diego’s 1988 second-round choice and a conditional middle-round selection tied to Redden’s performance. Draft transaction records trace the second-rounder to No. 46 in 1988, used on wide receiver Flipper Anderson, and the conditional choice to No. 148 in 1989, used on safety Thom Kaumeyer.
What San Diego Received
The Chargers believed Redden could become an every-down runner, but that opportunity produced almost no rushing value. He carried 11 times for 36 yards in 1987 and 19 times for 30 yards in 1988 with San Diego. By the end of his first Chargers season, Redden was again asking for a larger role or another trade. The acquisition therefore failed to produce the impact that justified giving up a player and two selections.
What Los Angeles Received
McGee became a useful blocking and receiving fullback for the Rams, starting regularly from 1988 through 1990 and contributing 622 scrimmage yards in 1990. The bigger prize was Anderson. Drafted 46th overall with the acquired second-rounder, he played seven seasons for the Rams and finished his NFL career with 5,357 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns. His peak included consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and the celebrated 336-yard receiving game in 1989. Kaumeyer added little, but the deal was already decisively favorable.
Final Verdict
San Diego bought low-volume production at a substantial price. Los Angeles turned a frustrated backup into a useful fullback and a second-round receiver who became a major offensive weapon. Because Anderson alone greatly exceeded Redden’s Chargers value, with McGee adding meaningful service on top, the Rams earn an A+. The Chargers receive a D+ for an expensive move that never delivered the featured-back outcome they expected.