San Diego acquired defensive lineman Kevin Hardy from Green…
San Diego acquired defensive lineman Kevin Hardy from Green Bay for its 1972 first-round choice, which the Packers used on quarterback Jerry Tagge at No. 11. Hardy started 10 games for the Chargers in 1971 and played again in 1972. Tagge lasted three Green Bay seasons, throwing three touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Neither side found a star, but San Diego received the stronger realized NFL contribution.
Green Bay Packers Received
- pick 1972 first round pick (#11-Jerry Tagge)
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Kevin Hardy (Thomas)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Green Bay traded Kevin Hardy to San Diego on June 24, 1971 for the Chargers’ first-round pick in the 1972 draft. Packers draft history identifies that acquired selection as No. 11 overall, which Green Bay used on Nebraska quarterback Jerry Tagge. The package itself is straightforward; the question is how the two assets actually performed.
Why San Diego Got Immediate Use
Hardy stepped into the Chargers’ lineup in 1971 and appeared in 13 games with 10 starts. He returned for six more games in 1972. That is not the profile of a franchise-changing acquisition, but it gave San Diego real short-term defensive-line value from a veteran who could play immediately.
What Green Bay Did With Pick No. 11
A first-round quarterback carries enormous upside, and Tagge arrived after a decorated college career at Nebraska. The NFL outcome was poor. He played 18 games for Green Bay, started 12 and finished with 1,583 passing yards, three touchdown passes and 17 interceptions. He was out of the Packers’ long-term quarterback picture after three seasons.
How the Price Changes the Verdict
Green Bay received the more valuable asset at the moment of the transaction. That matters when judging the decision, but TradeVerdicts also weighs what the asset became. A No. 11 overall pick that produces very little creates a large opportunity-cost penalty. San Diego did not receive elite value from Hardy, yet the Chargers at least obtained a useful starter for most of one season.
Final Verdict
San Diego wins narrowly on realized value. This is not an A-level Chargers triumph because Hardy’s stay was brief. It is instead a case where the Packers’ premium draft return failed badly enough to reverse the expected outcome. A C+ for the Chargers and D for Green Bay reflects useful short-term production against a first-round miss.