Atlanta received future draft choices in exchange for Rich…
Atlanta received future draft choices in exchange for Rich Stepanek. Contemporary accounts support a plural draft return, including reference to a high 1972 choice, although the exact rounds and downstream selections cannot be confirmed safely. Preserving the package as future draft choices recognizes the supported consideration without assigning speculative pick identities and leaves Atlanta with the stronger documented value.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick future draft choices (exact rounds not confirmed)
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Rich Stepanek
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1971-04-23, Atlanta Falcons received future draft choices (exact rounds not confirmed), while Los Angeles Chargers received Rich Stepanek. The value question is not which side collected more names or nominal draft slots, but what those assets actually produced for the clubs that controlled them. The completed historical research makes the direct return on each side clear enough to compare without crediting later transactions that required separate consideration.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta received future draft choices in exchange for Rich Stepanek. Contemporary accounts support a plural draft return, including reference to a high 1972 choice, although the exact rounds and downstream selections cannot be confirmed safely. Preserving the package as future draft choices recognizes the supported consideration without assigning speculative pick identities and leaves Atlanta with the stronger documented value.
Los Angeles Chargers Return
San Diego acquired Rich Stepanek, but he did not establish regular-season Chargers value after the trade. The player return therefore produced no comparable on-field contribution against Atlanta's retained future draft capital. Because the exact Falcons selections remain unresolved, the grade stays moderate, but Stepanek's lack of Chargers production leaves San Diego clearly behind in the exchange.
Value in Hindsight
The best way to judge this exchange is by the football value directly created by the original consideration. Atlanta received future draft choices in exchange for Rich Stepanek. San Diego acquired Rich Stepanek, but he did not establish regular-season Chargers value after the trade. That comparison keeps later moves separate and gives proper weight to starting service, useful depth, longevity, and the actual results of the draft capital involved.
Final Verdict
Atlanta Falcons receives a C+ and Los Angeles Chargers receives a D. The verdict is Atlanta Falcons Win. The grade spread reflects the scale of the direct return: a decisive edge where one club secured sustained production, a narrower edge where the difference was modest, and equal marks when neither side created enough value to separate itself.