San Diego acquired Keenan McCardell from Tampa Bay during the…
San Diego acquired Keenan McCardell from Tampa Bay during the 2004 season for 2005 third- and sixth-round picks. McCardell immediately strengthened a rising Chargers offense and followed with a 917-yard, nine-touchdown season in 2005. Tampa Bay used the third-rounder on Chris Colmer and later traded the sixth-rounder for quarterback Luke McCown. The Buccaneers recovered some value, but McCardell’s production made San Diego the clear winner.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Keenan McCardell
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- pick 2005 3rd round pick (91st overall, Chris Colmer)
- pick 2005 6th round pick (203rd overall; later traded to Cleveland for Luke McCown)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Keenan McCardell’s relationship with Tampa Bay had reached an impasse during a contract holdout in 2004. San Diego, meanwhile, was emerging behind Drew Brees, LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates but wanted another proven receiver. The Chargers sent their 2005 third- and sixth-round choices to the Buccaneers, giving Tampa Bay future capital while adding an experienced target to a playoff contender.
What San Diego Received
McCardell gave the Chargers exactly the veteran stability they were seeking. He joined the team during the 2004 season, then delivered his best San Diego campaign in 2005 with 917 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His route running and reliability complemented the younger pieces in the offense, and he remained a useful contributor through 2006.
How Tampa Bay Used the Picks
The third-round selection became Chris Colmer, an offensive lineman whose career was derailed by health problems before he could provide meaningful regular-season value. The sixth-round choice, No. 203, was later traded to Cleveland for quarterback Luke McCown. McCown spent several seasons in Tampa Bay as a backup and made occasional starts, giving the Buccaneers some downstream benefit from the deal.
Why This Trade Still Matters
The return was not worthless for Tampa Bay, but the gap between a productive starting receiver and a backup quarterback plus a non-contributing third-rounder is significant. San Diego converted two mid-round picks into immediate help for a team entering a competitive window.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win. The Chargers earn a B+ for McCardell’s immediate and sustained production. Tampa Bay earns a C because the picks produced some later utility, but not enough impact to match what McCardell gave San Diego.