Cincinnati acquired guard-tackle Gary Kirner from San Diego…
Cincinnati acquired guard-tackle Gary Kirner from San Diego on May 19, 1970 for defensive tackle Andy Rice. Kirner never played a regular-season game for the Bengals and was released before the season. Rice gave San Diego two seasons of useful work, appearing in 21 games with 10 starts across 1970 and 1971. The Chargers turned an expendable lineman into a real contributor, making this a clear San Diego win.
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- player Gary Kirner
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Andy Rice
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Cincinnati acquired offensive lineman Gary Kirner from San Diego for defensive tackle Andy Rice. Bengals historical records date the transaction to May 19, 1970, so the trade date is corrected from the previously listed May 20. The structure was a simple veteran-for-veteran swap between players who had already accumulated substantial professional experience.
What Cincinnati Received
Kirner had been a useful Chargers lineman earlier in his career, appearing in 77 games over six seasons and making 30 starts. Cincinnati was therefore buying experience and positional flexibility rather than an unknown prospect. The timing worked against the Bengals. Kirner’s 1969 season had been shortened by an ankle injury, and after the trade he did not make Cincinnati’s regular-season roster. His career statistics end with San Diego in 1969, and historical accounts note that the Bengals released him in early September. Cincinnati consequently surrendered a playable defensive lineman and received no regular-season production.
What San Diego Received
Rice delivered a materially better return. Pro Football Archives records show him appearing in nine games with five starts for San Diego in 1970, then 12 games with five more starts in 1971. That is 21 games and 10 starts over two seasons from the player received in the deal. Rice was not a franchise-changing acquisition, but he gave the Chargers legitimate rotation and starting value on the defensive line.
Final Verdict
The trade separates cleanly in hindsight. Cincinnati received an experienced lineman who never played a regular-season snap for the club, while San Diego received two seasons and 10 starts from Rice. The Chargers merit a B for converting Kirner into useful defensive production. Cincinnati falls to a D because the incoming player produced no regular-season value at all. The corrected May 19 date also aligns the record with the Bengals’ own historical transaction history.