Los Angeles/San Diego acquired veteran center Ed Flanagan…
Los Angeles/San Diego acquired veteran center Ed Flanagan from Detroit on May 29, 1975, for a 1976 second-round pick that Detroit ultimately exercised at No. 46 on tight end David Hill. Flanagan immediately started 25 games across two Chargers seasons. Hill developed into a long-term Lions starter and two-time Pro Bowler, giving Detroit the larger realized return despite meaningful short-term value for the Chargers.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 1976 second round pick (#46-David Hill)
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Ed Flanagan
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Detroit traded center Ed Flanagan to San Diego on May 29, 1975, for a second-round selection in the 1976 draft. The Lions' own historical transaction book says the pick came from Washington through San Diego. Draft transaction records connect that compensation to No. 46 overall, where Detroit selected tight end David Hill. That removes the old uncertainty around both the transaction date and the identity of the draft choice.
The Chargers Got a Starting Center
Flanagan was already an accomplished veteran when San Diego acquired him. He had spent ten seasons with Detroit and made four Pro Bowls there. With the Chargers, he started all 14 games in 1975 and 11 of 12 appearances in 1976. Twenty-five starts over two seasons gave San Diego immediate line stability rather than a negligible veteran rental.
Detroit Turned the Pick Into More
Hill created the larger long-term return. Detroit selected him 46th overall in 1976, and he developed into a regular starting tight end. He made the Pro Bowl in both 1978 and 1979, started 82 regular-season games for the Lions from 1976 through 1982, and produced 245 receptions, 3,054 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns during that Detroit stretch. The second-round pick therefore became a durable offensive contributor with a meaningful peak.
Why the Outcome Changes
The earlier entry treated the selection as only a probable connection and favored the Chargers. Once the Lions' official trade history is paired with the draft transaction chain, the No. 46 outcome is sufficiently supported to evaluate directly. San Diego received useful short-term play from Flanagan, but Detroit converted an aging veteran into a younger player who contributed for seven seasons and reached two Pro Bowls.
Final Verdict
Both teams received legitimate value, yet Detroit clearly realized more longevity and upside. The corrected May 29 date and confirmed 1976 second-round return support a Detroit Lions Win. Detroit earns an A-minus, while the Chargers receive a B for two seasons of dependable starting-center play.