Denver Broncos received Steve Tensi from San Diego Chargers…
Denver Broncos received Steve Tensi from San Diego Chargers for 1968 first round pick (#4-Russ Washington) and 1969 first round pick (#9-Marty Domres). Tensi started games for Denver but did not justify the extraordinary cost of two future first-round selections. Across the complete player and draft outcomes, the exchange supports the San Diego Chargers Win verdict while still crediting the other club for the useful value it realized.
Denver Broncos Received
- player Steve Tensi
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1968 first round pick (#4-Russ Washington)
- pick 1969 first round pick (#9- Marty Domres )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On 1967-08-15, Denver Broncos received Steve Tensi, while San Diego Chargers received 1968 first round pick (#4-Russ Washington) and 1969 first round pick (#9-Marty Domres). The draft transaction trail connects both first-round picks directly to the August 15, 1967 Tensi deal. The exchange is best judged by what those assets actually became for the acquiring clubs, rather than by the apparent size of each package on the day of the deal.
What Denver Broncos Got
Denver acquired quarterback Steve Tensi, who started games for the Broncos but did not become a franchise-level answer. The price was extraordinary for that level of return: two future first-round selections. That outcome gives the Denver Broncos side a clear basis for its F grade. The value here is tied to real roster contribution, draft conversion, durability and the length of time the acquired assets helped the club. Short stays and assets that never reached the field count far less than multi-season production.
What San Diego Chargers Got
San Diego converted those selections into No. 4 overall Russ Washington in 1968 and No. 9 overall Marty Domres in 1969. Washington became a long-term Chargers lineman and made the draft capital especially damaging for Denver. That result supports a A grade for San Diego Chargers. The comparison also accounts for timing: immediate production can matter even when it does not last, while draft capital becomes especially valuable when it turns into a long-term starter or when the player sent away performs at a high level for years.
Final Verdict
The final judgment is San Diego Chargers Win. The decisive factor is the gap in realized football value between the two returns, not simply the number of names or picks exchanged. Denver Broncos earns a F, while San Diego Chargers earns a A. The result reflects the full historical arc of the players and selections involved and leaves room for useful short-term contributions on the losing side without treating them as equal to the stronger long-term return.