Oakland acquired linebacker Floyd Rice from San Diego for…
Oakland acquired linebacker Floyd Rice from San Diego for cash on July 17, 1976. Chargers trade history records the sale directly, and Raiders history shows Rice played 23 games with 11 starts over the next two seasons. San Diego received financial consideration but no football asset. The Raiders did not land a star, yet two seasons of usable linebacker work for cash make Oakland the clear modest winner.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player Floyd Rice
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- other cash
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
The Chargers’ historical trade ledger records the July 17, 1976 transaction directly: linebacker Floyd Rice went to Oakland for cash. A later Chargers media guide preserves the same date, and Raiders historical material confirms Rice’s subsequent tenure. No draft pick or second player was involved, making this another straightforward cash-for-veteran evaluation.
Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders Return
Rice became a useful two-season Raider. Oakland’s all-time roster history credits him with 23 games and 11 starts across 1976 and 1977. That is not star-level production, but it is meaningful depth and starting work from a player acquired without surrendering draft capital. For a contender, buying a veteran linebacker who could step into the lineup had practical value beyond the modest transaction cost.
Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Return
San Diego received cash and moved a veteran it no longer planned to keep. That is a legitimate roster-management outcome, especially because no pick was involved. The drawback is that the Chargers retained no football asset while Rice still had usable NFL snaps left. Without a documented large cash premium or another downstream benefit, San Diego’s return remains ordinary.
Value in Hindsight
The trade is best graded proportionally. Oakland did not uncover a Pro Bowler or a decade-long starter, so an elite grade would exaggerate the result. The Raiders did, however, receive 23 games and 11 starts for cash, which is clearly more football value than San Diego retained. The Chargers’ decision was defensible, but the hindsight ledger favors the club that actually received the player production.
Final Verdict
Oakland wins. The Raiders earn a B for converting cash into two seasons of useful linebacker service. San Diego receives a C because selling a movable veteran was reasonable and the cost was not a premium football asset. The difference is straightforward: Rice continued contributing for Oakland, while the Chargers’ return ended with the cash payment.