Cleveland acquired running back Barry Redden from San Diego…

The Exchange

Cleveland acquired running back Barry Redden from San Diego on September 3, 1989 for a seventh-round choice in the 1990 draft. The selection became No. 185, and the Chargers used it on Joe Staysniak. Contemporary reporting places the transaction on Sunday, September 3, while a later Chargers source lists September 4. The earlier date is retained because it is supported by the contemporaneous account and Cleveland records. Cleveland Browns Return The Browns received Redden as an immediate backfield option. Cleveland paid only a seventh-round pick, so the acquisition carried limited downside and did not consume premium draft capital. Redden did not turn the move into a defining roster transaction, however, leaving the Browns with modest short-term utility rather than a substantial long-term gain. Los Angeles Chargers Return San Diego received No. 185 in the 1990 draft and used it on Staysniak. Converting a player the club was willing to move into a draft choice gave the Chargers another opportunity to add younger talent. The pick was late, so its expected value was limited, but it was still a concrete return and more durable than receiving no compensation. Value in Hindsight This was a small transaction and should be graded accordingly. Cleveland paid little for a veteran it could use right away, while San Diego recovered a late selection and retained roster-building flexibility. Neither side produced a major star from the exchange, so the result turns on which modest return had more staying power rather than on a dramatic production gap. Final Verdict The Chargers earn a C+ and Cleveland a C. The Browns made a reasonable low-cost move, but San Diego's ability to turn Redden into No. 185 created the slightly better asset outcome. The date discrepancy does not change the football evaluation, and the trade remains a narrow Chargers win.