St. Louis traded safety Ken Greene to San Diego on May 2,…
St. Louis traded safety Ken Greene to San Diego on May 2, 1983 for the Chargers' 1984 third- and eighth-round picks. Greene played 31 games for San Diego and started nine in 1983. The Cardinals used the eighth-rounder on Niko Noga, a multi-year starter, while the third-round asset was later included in the Al Baker trade and became No. 62. St. Louis created the stronger overall return.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- pick 1984 third round pick (#62-Eric Williams (Michael))
- pick 1984 eighth round pick (#201-Falaniko Noga / Niko Noga)
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Ken Greene
Trade Analysis
Why San Diego Acquired Greene
The Chargers traded two 1984 selections, a third-rounder and an eighth-rounder, for veteran safety Ken Greene on May 2, 1983. San Diego's 1983 media guide documents the date and package directly. Greene had been a productive starter in St. Louis and gave the Chargers an experienced defensive back who could play multiple secondary positions.
What the Chargers Received
Greene appeared in 16 games for San Diego in 1983 and started nine of them. He returned for 15 games in 1984. Thirty-one games of veteran depth and some starting work gave the Chargers legitimate value, though his stay lasted only two seasons and did not develop into a major long-term payoff.
How St. Louis Used the Return
The Cardinals' eighth-round choice became No. 201, used on Niko Noga. Noga developed into a regular starter and remained with the franchise through the late 1980s. The third-round asset also retained value before the draft: St. Louis included that selection with defensive lineman Mike Dawson in the transaction that brought star pass rusher Al Baker from Detroit. Detroit ultimately used the pick at No. 62 on Eric Williams.
Why the Cardinals Win
St. Louis received two separate avenues of value from a player it was willing to move. Noga provided years of defensive service, while the third-round choice helped acquire an established impact defender in Baker. San Diego did receive two useful seasons from Greene, so its side still merits a positive grade.
Final Verdict
The Cardinals earn a B+ and the Chargers a C+. Greene was a reasonable veteran addition, but St. Louis converted the two picks into a multi-year contributor and leverage in another important acquisition. That broader and longer-lasting return gives the Cardinals the edge.