Arizona sent Clarence Duren to the Chargers in June 1977 and…
Arizona sent Clarence Duren to the Chargers in June 1977 and received a future 1978 fourth-round pick that became No. 96 and George Collins. The Cardinals converted the player into a meaningful mid-round draft asset, while Duren's Chargers return was more limited. Arizona therefore owns the better side of the trade once the transaction identifiers reflect only the real two-asset package.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 1978 fourth round pick (#96- George Collins )
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Clarence Duren
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
The Chargers acquired Clarence Duren from the Cardinals on June 24, 1977 for a future 1978 fourth-round draft choice. Transaction records identify that selection as No. 96, later used on George Collins. The verified package contains only Duren and the fourth-round pick, making the value comparison a straightforward question of immediate veteran help versus a meaningful future draft asset.
Arizona Cardinals Return
Arizona sent Clarence Duren to the Chargers in June 1977 and received a future 1978 fourth-round pick that became No. 96 and George Collins. The Cardinals converted the player into a meaningful mid-round draft asset, while Duren's Chargers return was more limited. Arizona therefore owns the better side of the trade once the transaction identifiers reflect only the real two-asset package.
San Diego Chargers Return
The Chargers acquired Clarence Duren from Arizona for a 1978 fourth-round selection that ultimately became pick No. 96, George Collins. Duren provided Los Angeles with a veteran player, but the Cardinals received the stronger long-term asset in a useful mid-round pick. That draft return gives Arizona the edge, while the Chargers' contribution remains comparatively limited.
Value in Hindsight
The fourth-round compensation creates the main separation. Arizona moved a player and received a legitimate mid-round asset that could be used to add a younger contributor, while the Chargers received more limited veteran value. The gap is large enough for Arizona to win, though not so large that the trade should be treated as a major failure for Los Angeles. The verified package supports a moderate grade difference.
Final Verdict
Arizona earns a B- for converting Duren into a useful fourth-round asset. The Chargers receive a C- because the veteran return did not justify the stronger draft value they surrendered. The Cardinals win the trade in hindsight, with the corrected identifiers making the real two-asset exchange clear.