San Diego acquired defensive back David Brandon and Buffalo's…
San Diego acquired defensive back David Brandon and Buffalo's 1988 fourth-round pick, later used on Stacy Searels, while the Bills received wide receiver Trumaine Johnson and a 1988 seventh-rounder that became Bo Wright. Contemporary reporting and team histories agree on the package. Johnson's Buffalo stay was brief, and the Chargers received both a player and the substantially earlier draft choice, giving San Diego the stronger overall return.
Buffalo Bills Received
- player Trumaine Johnson (b. 1960-01-16)
- pick 1988 seventh round pick (#184-Bo Wright)
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player David Brandon
- pick 1988 fourth round pick (#93-Stacy Searels)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On August 31, 1987, San Diego and Buffalo completed a player-and-pick swap. The Chargers received defensive back David Brandon and Buffalo's 1988 fourth-round selection, which became pick No. 93 and was used on Stacy Searels. The Bills received wide receiver Trumaine Johnson and San Diego's 1988 seventh-round pick, No. 184, used on Bo Wright. Contemporary reporting and historical team records support the same basic package.
Los Angeles Chargers Return
San Diego received both an immediate player and the much earlier draft selection. Brandon gave the Chargers secondary depth, while the fourth-round pick created a substantially stronger draft opportunity than the seventh-rounder they surrendered. Searels did not become a major star, so the pick was not maximized, but the structure of the return still favored San Diego and provided more ways to obtain useful roster value.
Buffalo Bills Return
Buffalo targeted Johnson, an experienced receiver who could help immediately, and also received a late-round choice. Johnson's time with the Bills did not develop into the kind of sustained impact that would justify giving up the better pick in the transaction. Wright also failed to create enough late-round value to close the gap. Buffalo's return therefore delivered limited longevity from both the veteran and the draft component.
Value in Hindsight
The fourth-to-seventh-round difference matters because neither player became a long-term centerpiece. When the veteran outcomes are modest, the superior draft asset becomes more influential in the comparison. San Diego received the earlier choice plus Brandon, while Buffalo's Johnson gamble did not produce lasting value. That creates a clear but not overwhelming Chargers advantage, since the fourth-round pick itself did not become a high-impact player.
Final Verdict
The Chargers earn a B- and Buffalo a C+. San Diego received the better draft position and a usable defensive back, while Buffalo's veteran acquisition and seventh-round pick produced less lasting value. The deal was not a major franchise swing, but the balance of both immediate and future assets sits on the Chargers' side.