Atlanta received Sam Williams. The available record does not…
Atlanta received Sam Williams. The available record does not show a comparable regular-season contribution for the Falcons after the exchange, so Atlanta's return fell short of the immediate production Hayes supplied to San Diego. The C- grade reflects that realized football value and the complete supported package, while the overall verdict is Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- player Sam Williams
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Tom Hayes
- pick 1977 sixth round pick (#146-Dave Lindstrom)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1976-04-08, Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers completed this exchange. Atlanta Falcons received Sam Williams, while Los Angeles Chargers received Tom Hayes; 1977 sixth round pick (#146-Dave Lindstrom). Historical team, draft, and player records support that package and provide enough career context to compare what each side actually gained.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta received Sam Williams. The available record does not show a comparable regular-season contribution for the Falcons after the exchange, so Atlanta's return fell short of the immediate production Hayes supplied to San Diego. The C- grade reflects that realized football value and the complete supported package, while the overall verdict is Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win.
Los Angeles Chargers Return
San Diego received Tom Hayes and the 1977 sixth-round choice used on Dave Lindstrom. Hayes immediately started eight games and recorded two interceptions for the Chargers, creating clear on-field value and giving San Diego the stronger return. The B grade reflects that realized football value and the complete supported package, while the overall verdict is Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win.
Value in Hindsight
The decisive difference is realized value rather than the nominal size of the package. Los Angeles Chargers turned its return into the stronger on-field outcome, while Atlanta Falcons received less durable or less productive value. That gap supports the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win conclusion and the B versus C- grading split.
Final Verdict
The final call is Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win. Atlanta Falcons earns a C-, and Los Angeles Chargers earns a B. Those grades weigh the documented assets, the length and quality of the resulting contributions, and the practical value each club actually realized after the exchange.