Green Bay traded Willie Buchanon to San Diego for a 1979…
Green Bay traded Willie Buchanon to San Diego for a 1979 seventh-round pick and a 1980 first-round pick. The first-rounder became linebacker George Cumby, who spent six seasons with the Packers, while seventh-rounder Rich Wingo also contributed. The return gave Green Bay more years of team-controlled value, producing a narrow win rather than a landslide.
Green Bay Packers Received
- pick 1979 seventh round pick (#184-Rich Wingo)
- pick 1980 first round pick (#26-George Cumby)
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Willie Buchanon
Trade Analysis
Green Bay and Willie Buchanon had reached a contract impasse after the 1978 season, creating the conditions for a trade even though Buchanon remained a high-level cornerback. San Diego sent a seventh-round choice in 1979 and its first-round choice in 1980 to the Packers. Green Bay eventually used those picks on linebacker Rich Wingo and, at No. 26 overall in 1980, linebacker George Cumby.
The Chargers received meaningful performance from Buchanon. Green Bay’s own historical material notes that he played four seasons in San Diego and intercepted seven passes. He joined a team entering the heart of the Air Coryell era and provided veteran coverage experience. That is enough to keep San Diego firmly in positive-grade territory despite the substantial draft cost.
Green Bay’s return lasted longer. Cumby played six seasons for the Packers and became a regular defensive contributor, while Wingo also supplied early-career snaps after arriving as the seventh-round component. Neither player matched Buchanon’s established reputation at the moment of the trade, but together the picks gave Green Bay more years of controlled roster value after the club had already concluded it was unlikely to retain Buchanon.
The Packers therefore receive a B+ and the narrow win. San Diego gets a B because Buchanon performed well enough to justify much of the cost. This was not a one-sided deal: the Chargers received the experienced player they wanted, while Green Bay converted a departing veteran into a first-round starter and an additional selection. Both teams can reasonably view the transaction as productive, even with Green Bay ahead.