San Diego acquired Deacon Jones, Greg Wojcik and Lee White…
San Diego acquired Deacon Jones, Greg Wojcik and Lee White from the Rams on January 29, 1972 for Jeff Staggs plus second- and third-round draft capital that became Jim Bertelsen, Cullen Bryant and Tim Stokes. Jones immediately made the Pro Bowl for the Chargers, but the Rams collected multiple useful pieces with longer combined value. The broader package gives Los Angeles the slight-to-clear edge.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player David Jones / Deacon Jones
- player Greg Wojcik
- player Lee White
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Jeff Staggs
- pick 1972 second round pick (#30-Jim Bertelsen)
- pick 1973 second round pick (#31-Cullen Bryant)
- pick 1973 third round pick (#60-Tim Stokes)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
The January 29, 1972 blockbuster sent Deacon Jones, Greg Wojcik and Lee White from the Rams to San Diego. In return, Los Angeles received linebacker Jeff Staggs, a 1972 second-round choice used on Jim Bertelsen, and 1973 second- and third-round choices that became Cullen Bryant and Tim Stokes. Chargers history preserves the package clearly.
What San Diego Received
Jones was no faded name on arrival. He made the Pro Bowl in his first Chargers season and remained a dangerous pass rusher, giving San Diego immediate star power. Wojcik and White added depth around the centerpiece. Any evaluation that treats the Chargers as having received little would miss the fact that Jones still played at a high level in 1972.
What Los Angeles Received
The Rams chose breadth and future value. Bertelsen became a productive back and returner, Bryant developed into a versatile multi-season contributor, and the remaining assets added further roster value. Los Angeles converted one aging superstar and two supporting players into multiple younger pieces spread across different positions and seasons. That diversification ultimately created more cumulative value.
Final Verdict
Both teams received meaningful returns, which is why the grades should remain strong on both sides. San Diego got the best individual player and an immediate Pro Bowl season. The Rams, however, accumulated a larger pool of useful years and roster options from the package they received. Los Angeles earns an A- and the Chargers a B+, making this a Rams win without pretending San Diego was badly beaten.