Los Angeles Chargers received Gary Kowalski and 1986 fifth…
Los Angeles Chargers received Gary Kowalski and 1986 fifth round pick (#133-Matt Johnson). San Diego received Gary Kowalski and the 1986 fifth-round choice used on Matt Johnson. The return produced limited direct value compared with what Duckworth gave the Rams immediately. Compared with Los Angeles Rams' return, the result supports a D+ grade and fits the Los Angeles Rams Win verdict.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Gary Kowalski
- pick 1986 fifth round pick (#133- Matt Johnson )
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Bobby Duckworth
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1985-09-02, Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams completed an exchange in which Los Angeles Chargers received Gary Kowalski and 1986 fifth round pick (#133-Matt Johnson), while Los Angeles Rams received Bobby Duckworth. Both sides obtained identifiable football assets, so the hindsight evaluation turns on what those assets became and how much practical value they delivered after the move.
Los Angeles Chargers Return
San Diego received Gary Kowalski and the 1986 fifth-round choice used on Matt Johnson. The return produced limited direct value compared with what Duckworth gave the Rams immediately. That outcome is the main reason Los Angeles Chargers receives a D+ grade. The value here is measured by actual contribution and staying power rather than by the number of pieces in the package. In a minor transaction, even a useful role player or durable starter can create a meaningful edge.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Bobby Duckworth caught 25 passes for 422 yards and three touchdowns for the 1985 Rams, giving Los Angeles immediate receiving production after the trade. That result supports a B grade for Los Angeles Rams. The return has to be judged against what the other club received, not simply by whether the acquired player or pick reached the roster. The comparison therefore emphasizes sustained contribution, role importance, and the eventual usefulness of any draft capital.
Value in Hindsight
The pick label does not alter the football result. Duckworth provided clear same-season production, while the Chargers' player-and-pick package did not generate a comparable payoff. The exchange was not necessarily unreasonable when it was made, but the later outcomes provide a clearer basis for grading it. Hindsight separates the original cost from the production that followed and shows which club converted its side of the deal into more meaningful football value.
Final Verdict
The final call is Los Angeles Rams Win. Los Angeles Chargers receives a D+, while Los Angeles Rams receives a B. Those grades reflect the documented package and the downstream results attached to it. The deciding factor is the relative quality and duration of the returns, which gives the stronger side the advantage without overstating a transaction that was generally modest in scale.