San Diego acquired veteran tight end Bob Klein by sending the…
San Diego acquired veteran tight end Bob Klein by sending the Rams a future second-round pick. Klein then produced 91 catches, 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns over three Chargers seasons, so the club received real short-term value. The price became more significant when Los Angeles later used that pick in a package to move up for Johnnie Johnson.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- other rights to Bob Klein
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1980 second round pick (#54) [later traded with 1980 first round pick (#27-Charles White (Raymond)), 1980 fourth round pick (#109-Paul McDonald) and 1980 fifth round pick (#116-Elvis Franks) to Cleveland Browns for 1980 first round pick (#17-Johnnie Johnson) and 1980 sixth round pick (#154-Mike Guman)]
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
San Diego acquired the rights to veteran tight end Bob Klein in August 1977, while the Rams received a future second-round selection. The delayed draft asset ultimately became the No. 54 choice in 1980, and the Rams later included it in a larger draft-day package.
What San Diego Received
Klein gave the Chargers useful immediate production. NFL records show 20 catches for 244 yards in 1977, 34 for 413 in 1978 and 37 for 424 with five touchdowns in 1979. Across those three seasons he totaled 91 receptions, 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns, providing a dependable veteran target during the rise of San Diego's passing game.
What the Rams Received
Los Angeles converted the future second-rounder into leverage rather than making the No. 54 selection. In 1980, the Rams packaged No. 54 with Nos. 27, 109 and 116 to Cleveland for No. 17 and No. 154. The Rams used No. 17 on Johnnie Johnson and No. 154 on Mike Guman, turning Klein into part of a move for a premium first-round slot.
Why the Rams Edge It
The Chargers absolutely received value, which keeps their grade above average. The difference is that the Rams transformed an aging veteran into a meaningful piece of a later move up the first round. That option value and the quality of the slot acquired create a stronger long-term return than Klein's productive but relatively brief Chargers tenure.
Final Verdict
The Rams receive a B+ and the Chargers receive a B-. San Diego got three useful seasons from Klein, but Los Angeles extracted greater strategic value from the future pick and its later role in acquiring Johnnie Johnson.