San Diego sent quarterback Mark Herrmann back to Indianapolis…
San Diego sent quarterback Mark Herrmann back to Indianapolis in April 1988 for a late 1989 draft choice. Chargers historical records identify the compensation as an eleventh-round pick, not a conditional selection that disappeared. Herrmann did not survive the Colts' final 1988 roster decisions and soon joined the Rams, leaving Indianapolis without regular-season value. San Diego at least secured draft capital, producing a modest C+ to D+ Chargers win.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Mark Herrmann
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1989 eleventh-round pick (selection not identified)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On April 27, 1988, San Diego traded quarterback Mark Herrmann to Indianapolis. Contemporary Los Angeles Times coverage described the return as a 1989 late-round draft choice, and Chargers historical material identifies it specifically as an eleventh-round pick. That evidence conflicts with a description of the asset as conditional and not exercised. The supportable package is Herrmann to the Colts for an actual 1989 eleventh-round selection, even though the precise player later tied to that pick is not established here.
Indianapolis Colts Return
The Colts brought back a familiar quarterback, but the reunion did not produce regular-season value. Herrmann went through the offseason and preseason with Indianapolis, then was released before the 1988 regular season. By the end of August he had joined the Rams. Because he did not become a meaningful Colts contributor after the trade, Indianapolis received little football return for even a low-cost draft expenditure.
Los Angeles Chargers Return
San Diego recovered a late pick for a quarterback it was prepared to move. An eleventh-round selection carried limited expected value, and the absence of a firmly identified downstream player keeps the grade modest. Still, the Chargers converted an expendable roster asset into draft capital and did not watch Herrmann become an impactful player for the buyer.
Value in Hindsight
The deal was small, but the direction is clear. Indianapolis paid something and received no regular-season contribution. San Diego received a real selection, even if the eventual pick chain is incomplete. That difference is enough to reverse a Colts-win verdict without turning the transaction into a major success story for the Chargers.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers Win is the appropriate result. San Diego receives a C+ for recovering an eleventh-round asset. Indianapolis receives a D+ because the acquired quarterback did not make the regular-season roster. Confidence is medium because the downstream draft identity remains uncertain, not because the basic trade direction is in doubt.