The Rams acquired quarterback John Hadl from the Chargers for…
The Rams acquired quarterback John Hadl from the Chargers for Coy Bacon and Bob Thomas. Hadl immediately led Los Angeles to a 12-2 record in 1973 and earned NFC Player of the Year honors, then became the centerpiece of a massive five-pick trade with Green Bay in 1974. The Chargers still received quality veteran value, but the Rams maximized the asset.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Lander McCoy Bacon / Coy Bacon
- player Bob Thomas (Lee)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player John Hadl
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On January 25, 1973, the San Diego Chargers traded quarterback John Hadl to the Los Angeles Rams for defensive lineman Coy Bacon and Bob Thomas. The move gave the Rams an established quarterback while the Chargers received two veteran players. Both sides obtained real NFL value, which is why this trade supports unusually strong grades on both sides rather than a simple winner-and-loser split.
Los Angeles Return
Hadl transformed the immediate result. In 1973, the Rams went 12-2 with him as their primary quarterback, and he earned NFC Player of the Year honors. His impact went beyond one strong season. In October 1974, Los Angeles traded Hadl to Green Bay for a five-pick package that included multiple first- and second-round selections. The Rams therefore received both high-level quarterback play and an extraordinary second transaction that replenished the roster with premium draft capital.
Chargers Return
San Diego did not leave empty-handed. Bacon was an accomplished defensive lineman with substantial NFL value, and Thomas added another veteran piece. The Chargers' A- recognizes that the club received legitimate starting-caliber talent for a quarterback nearing the later stage of his career. In many trades, that would be enough to win.
Final Verdict
The Rams still finish ahead because Hadl generated value twice. First came a 12-win season and major individual recognition; then came the enormous Green Bay pick haul. An A+ for Los Angeles and A- for the Chargers fits a rare transaction in which both sides did well, but one side extracted an exceptional combination of immediate performance and future assets.