Atlanta received only a conditional 1987 sixth-round draft…
Atlanta received only a conditional 1987 sixth-round draft choice for Thomas Benson, not the specific No. 143 pick previously attached to this trade. Contemporary reporting later indicated that the conditional choice was returned to San Diego in a separate transaction. With no durable retained return from this exchange, Atlanta realized little value, supporting a D+ grade given the supported package.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick conditional 1987 sixth-round draft choice
Los Angeles Chargers Received
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1986-07-25, Atlanta Falcons received conditional 1987 sixth-round draft choice, while Los Angeles Chargers received Thomas Benson / Tom Benson (C.). The supported package gives both clubs a clear return to evaluate, so the outcome can be judged by the football value each franchise actually realized after the exchange.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta received only a conditional 1987 sixth-round draft choice for Thomas Benson, not the specific No. 143 pick previously attached to this trade. Contemporary reporting later indicated that the conditional choice was returned to San Diego in a separate transaction. With no durable retained return from this exchange, Atlanta realized little value, supporting a D+ grade given the supported package. The grade reflects the practical value created for the franchise rather than the asset's label or perceived value on the day of the trade.
Los Angeles Chargers Return
The Chargers acquired Thomas Benson from Atlanta for a conditional 1987 sixth-round choice. Benson went on to start for San Diego, giving the club usable offensive-line value from a modest and ultimately temporary draft commitment. Because the specific Steve Bartalo selection belonged to another trade, the supported package strengthens San Diego's side and supports a B grade and the win. The same standard applies here: actual playing contribution and clearly retained draft value matter more than theoretical upside that never materialized.
Value in Hindsight
The key is separating this transaction from an unrelated sixth-round pick history. Atlanta's return was a conditional choice that later went back to San Diego, while Benson produced actual playing value for the Chargers. That makes Los Angeles the clear beneficiary without overstating a low-cost veteran acquisition.
Final Verdict
The final call is Los Angeles Chargers Win. Atlanta Falcons earns D+, and Los Angeles Chargers earns B. Those grades reflect the supported package and the relative football value each side realized while keeping the scale of the transaction in proper context.