Two linked January 28, 1975 Chicago-San Diego transactions…
Two linked January 28, 1975 Chicago-San Diego transactions produced an aggregate exchange in which the Chargers landed the pick used on Mike Fuller plus Jim Harrison, while Chicago received Cid Edwards and the pick used on Tom Hicks. Fuller became a six-year Chargers defensive back and elite punt returner; Hicks also had a useful career. San Diego wins because Fuller was the strongest asset, but Chicago received real value.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Cid Edwards
- pick 1975 sixth round pick (#151-Tom Hicks)
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1975 third round pick (#73-Mike Fuller)
- player Jim Harrison
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Chicago and San Diego completed two related transactions on January 28, 1975. In the combined record, the Chargers received Chicago's third-round choice, later used on Mike Fuller, and veteran Jim Harrison. The Bears received Cid Edwards and a sixth-round choice, later used on Tom Hicks. Team histories support the same-day movement of those assets.
What San Diego Received
Fuller became the defining piece. Drafted No. 73 overall, he played six seasons with the Chargers, appeared in 90 regular-season games for the club, and intercepted 15 passes from 1975 through 1980. He was also a major punt-return weapon, topping 400 return yards in four different Chargers seasons and scoring return touchdowns. Harrison did not add comparable regular-season value, but Fuller made the package a success by himself.
What Chicago Received
Edwards' Bears contribution was brief, but Hicks developed into a useful NFL linebacker. The sixth-rounder played 64 career games, recorded five interceptions, and provided several seasons of defensive depth. That matters because this was not a one-sided transaction in which Chicago's return disappeared. The Bears converted the lower pick into a real NFL player.
Why San Diego Wins
The difference is the quality of the best realized asset. Hicks was useful, while Fuller became a long-term defensive back and return specialist who materially affected games for six Chargers seasons. San Diego extracted starting-caliber and special-teams value from the third-round pick, giving it more impact and longevity than Chicago's combined return.
Final Verdict
San Diego receives an A- and Chicago a B-. Both clubs found value, and Hicks keeps the Bears' grade comfortably above average. Fuller's six-year Chargers run, interception production, and punt-return impact make him the clear centerpiece and give San Diego the win.