San Diego acquired linebacker Dave Lewis from Tampa Bay for a…
San Diego acquired linebacker Dave Lewis from Tampa Bay for a 1982 third-round pick and a 1984 fourth-rounder. Lewis started four games and played nine for the Chargers in 1982 before moving on. Tampa Bay used No. 83 on defensive end John Cannon, who spent nine seasons with the Buccaneers and made 73 starts. The later pick became Michael Gunter, making Cannon the decisive return.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- player David Lewis / Dave Lewis (Rodney)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- pick 1982 third round pick (#83-John Cannon)
- pick 1984 fourth round pick (#107-Micheal Gunter / Michael Gunter / Mike Gunter)
Trade Analysis
Why San Diego Made the Move
Lewis had been a durable starter for Tampa Bay and gave the Chargers an experienced linebacker for a team with postseason ambitions. He still had usable football left, but the move was short-term by design. Lewis played nine games for San Diego in 1982, started four and recorded 29 tackles before spending the following season with the Rams.
What Tampa Bay Received
The Buccaneers received a 1982 third-round pick and a 1984 fourth-round pick. The immediate selection was No. 83, used on defensive end John Cannon. Cannon became the centerpiece of the trade's value, remaining with Tampa Bay through 1990 and developing into a long-term member of the defensive front.
How John Cannon Changed the Math
Cannon played 122 games for the Buccaneers and started 73. Available career statistics credit him with 22 sacks, and his nine seasons in Tampa supplied far more continuity than Lewis's single Chargers season. The 1984 fourth-rounder became running back Michael Gunter, who was waived before the regular season, so that second pick added little direct value.
Why Tampa Bay Wins Clearly
San Diego did receive a veteran who could step into the lineup, which keeps the Chargers from receiving a failing grade. The problem is duration. Nine games and four starts from Lewis cannot match nearly a decade of service from Cannon, even after acknowledging that Tampa Bay got almost nothing from the second pick.
Final Verdict
Tampa Bay earns an A- and San Diego a C+. Cannon turned a third-round selection into 122 games and 73 starts for the Buccaneers. Lewis was a reasonable short-term acquisition, but his Chargers tenure was too brief to keep the exchange close once Cannon's career developed.