San Diego sent quarterback Bobby Douglass and a 1976…
San Diego sent quarterback Bobby Douglass and a 1976 third-round choice to New Orleans for linebacker Rick Middleton. Middleton spent multiple seasons with the Chargers but was primarily depth, starting only twice across his San Diego tenure. The return was serviceable, yet it did not match the immediate quarterback value New Orleans received.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Rick Middleton
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Bobby Douglass
- pick 1976 third round pick (#77-Bob Simmons)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
San Diego and New Orleans completed a player-and-pick exchange on April 2, 1976. The Chargers received linebacker Rick Middleton, while the Saints acquired veteran quarterback Bobby Douglass and a third-round selection in the 1976 draft. Historical Chargers records and transaction listings identify the choice as No. 77, used on Bob Simmons.
What San Diego Received
Middleton gave the Chargers several seasons of linebacker depth, but he rarely held a starting role. NFL career statistics show 10 games with no starts in 1976, 14 with no starts in 1977 and 12 with two starts in 1978. That availability had roster value, yet it was not enough production to make the outgoing quarterback and third-round choice look inexpensive.
What New Orleans Received
Douglass provided immediate help at the game's most important position. Saints historical material credits him with 11 appearances, six starts and 1,288 passing yards in 1976. He was not a long-term solution, but those starts mattered to a team that needed veteran quarterback play. Simmons did not add a major later return, so the New Orleans case rests mainly on Douglass.
Why the Value Landed Here
San Diego received more years of service, but New Orleans received higher-leverage contribution right away. Six quarterback starts and more than 1,200 passing yards carried more practical 1976 value than mostly reserve linebacker work. The third-round pick did not blossom into an additional major advantage, which keeps the margin relatively narrow.
Final Verdict
New Orleans receives a B- and San Diego receives a C+. Douglass' immediate starting value gives the Saints the win, while Middleton's multi-season depth keeps the Chargers from grading poorly. The exchange favors New Orleans without being lopsided.