San Francisco acquired safety Chuck Crist from New Orleans on…
San Francisco acquired safety Chuck Crist from New Orleans on August 15, 1978 for linebacker Skip Vanderbundt. Crist started all 15 games he played for the 49ers and led the team with six interceptions for 159 return yards.
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Skip Vanderbundt
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Chuck Crist
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
San Francisco's official trade history and contemporary transaction reports confirm the August 15, 1978 swap: safety Chuck Crist to the 49ers for linebacker Skip Vanderbundt.
San Francisco Return
Crist immediately became a full-time starter. Pro Football Reference credits him with 15 games and 15 starts in 1978, while the 49ers' official season statistics show he led the club with six interceptions and 159 interception-return yards. It was his only San Francisco season and the final year of his NFL career, but the one-year impact was substantial.
New Orleans Return
Vanderbundt had been a long-time San Francisco starter before the trade, but his Saints role was much smaller. NFL records credit him with 15 New Orleans games and no starts in 1978. He did not play another NFL season.
Hindsight Comparison
Both players supplied one final season, which makes the direct comparison unusually clean. San Francisco received a 15-game starter who led the team in interceptions; New Orleans received 15 reserve appearances without a start.
Final Verdict
San Francisco 49ers Win, B+ to C. Crist provided clear starting defensive value and six takeaways, while Vanderbundt finished his career as a reserve for the Saints.