San Diego quickly used part of the John Jefferson return to…
San Diego quickly used part of the John Jefferson return to acquire Wes Chandler from New Orleans, sending Aundra Thompson plus 1982 first- and third-round picks. Chandler became a premier Chargers receiver and a central piece of the Air Coryell offense. New Orleans did not receive comparable production from the package, giving San Diego a clear and lasting win.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player Wes Chandler
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Aundra Thompson
- pick 1982 first round pick (#13-Lindsay Scott)
- pick 1982 third round pick (#76-John Krimm)
Trade Analysis
San Diego's ability to replace John Jefferson almost immediately is one of the most important parts of this trade. Less than two weeks after sending Jefferson to Green Bay, the Chargers acquired Wes Chandler from New Orleans. The cost was meaningful: Aundra Thompson, the first-round position San Diego had obtained through the Jefferson transaction, and a third-round pick.
The return justified that aggression. Chandler became a defining receiver for the Chargers and fit perfectly into Don Coryell's high-volume passing offense. He produced explosive seasons in San Diego and remained an important target well beyond the immediate aftermath of the deal. Acquiring a proven receiver who could step directly into a championship-caliber offense reduced the risk created by Jefferson's departure.
New Orleans received a package that looked substantial at the time. The first-round pick became No. 13 overall and was used on Lindsay Scott, while the third-round pick became John Krimm. Thompson also came over as a young receiver. None of those pieces produced value comparable to Chandler's Chargers career. The Saints therefore had quantity and premium draft position without the high-end outcome needed to justify moving an established playmaker.
An A for San Diego reflects both Chandler's production and the strategic timing of the move. The Chargers turned assets from one major receiver trade into another elite receiver almost immediately. New Orleans receives a D+ because the compensation was meaningful on paper, preventing an outright failing grade, but the players generated from it did not approach the value surrendered. The long-term performance gap makes the Chargers the clear winner.