Green Bay Packers received Cal Withrow. Green Bay received…
Green Bay Packers received Cal Withrow. Green Bay received Cal Withrow, who appeared in all 14 games in each of the 1971, 1972, and 1973 seasons for the Packers. Withrow's three full Packers seasons comfortably exceed the value created by the very late Chargers pick, producing a modest Green Bay win. That outcome supports a B- grade for Green Bay Packers.
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Cal Withrow
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1972 17th round pick (#423-Oscar Dragon)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1971-03-29, Green Bay Packers received Cal Withrow, while Los Angeles Chargers received 1972 17th round pick (#423-Oscar Dragon). Historical team, player, draft, and transaction sources support the direct package and provide enough career context to compare the football value that followed. The evaluation centers on what each club actually obtained from the exchange and how those assets performed or were converted afterward.
Green Bay Packers Return
Green Bay Packers received Cal Withrow. Green Bay received Cal Withrow, who appeared in all 14 games in each of the 1971, 1972, and 1973 seasons for the Packers. Withrow's three full Packers seasons comfortably exceed the value created by the very late Chargers pick, producing a modest Green Bay win. That outcome supports a B- grade for Green Bay Packers. The grade reflects the practical return created for this franchise rather than simply the name eventually attached to a pick after later movement.
Los Angeles Chargers Return
Los Angeles Chargers received 1972 17th round pick (#423-Oscar Dragon). The Chargers received the late No. 423 selection and used it on Oscar Dragon, whose NFL playing impact was minimal. Withrow's three full Packers seasons comfortably exceed the value created by the very late Chargers pick, producing a modest Green Bay win. That outcome supports a C- grade for Los Angeles Chargers. That side is judged on the value it actually controlled after the trade, including any documented playing time or clearly traceable draft return.
Value in Hindsight
Withrow's three full Packers seasons comfortably exceed the value created by the very late Chargers pick, producing a modest Green Bay win. The comparison gives the most weight to regular-season contribution, starting value, and clearly documented use of acquired draft capital. Later selections by another holder are useful for tracing a pick, but they are not treated as on-field production for a team that had already moved the asset.
Final Verdict
The final call is Green Bay Packers Win. Green Bay Packers earns a B-, and Los Angeles Chargers earns a C-. Those grades match the supported direct package and the relative football value each side ultimately realized, without overstating a minor exchange or assigning another club's later player outcome to the wrong team.