San Diego acquired veteran safety Tim Fox from New England on…
San Diego acquired veteran safety Tim Fox from New England on April 27, 1982 and received three useful seasons, including seven interceptions in 30 games with the Chargers. The Patriots turned Fox into second-rounder Robert Weathers and a 1983 third-rounder used on tackle Steve Moore. Weathers contributed 1,001 yards from scrimmage and Moore eventually started 31 games, giving New England the broader long-term return.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Tim Fox
New England Patriots Received
- pick 1982 second round pick (#40-Robert Weathers)
- pick 1983 third round pick (#80-Steve Moore (a))
Trade Analysis
Why San Diego Wanted Tim Fox
The Chargers were built to contend around an explosive offense and added an experienced defensive back who had started every game for New England in 1981. Fox immediately helped. He started all seven games he played in the strike-shortened 1982 season and intercepted four passes, then added two interceptions in 1983 and one more in 1984.
What New England Received
The Patriots acquired the 40th pick in 1982 and a third-round choice in 1983. No. 40 became running back Robert Weathers, who played 44 games for New England and rushed for 733 yards while adding 268 receiving yards. His best season was 1983, when he averaged 5.7 yards per carry and gained 630 yards from scrimmage.
How Steve Moore Added Value
The future third-round pick became offensive tackle Steve Moore. His career started slowly, but he appeared in 52 games for the Patriots and started 31, including every game in 1985. That gave New England a second usable player from the package and extended the return well beyond the initial 1982 draft.
Why the Patriots Hold the Edge
Fox was not a miss for San Diego. Seven interceptions in three seasons and 25 starts represented legitimate value, especially for a team trying to win immediately. New England simply received more total useful service by turning one veteran into two players who filled different roles over several seasons.
Final Verdict
New England gets a B+ and San Diego a B. The Chargers acquired exactly the kind of experienced starter they wanted and received productive play. The Patriots win narrowly because Weathers and Moore combined for more years and more roster value than Fox alone supplied in San Diego.