San Diego acquired linebacker Dewey Selmon from Tampa Bay in…

The Exchange

San Diego acquired linebacker Dewey Selmon from Tampa Bay on March 29, 1982. The Buccaneers received a 1984 fourth-round selection, later identified as No. 89 Randy Robbins. Tampa Bay subsequently moved that same pick to Denver in the Steve DeBerg transaction, but that later use of the asset is separate from the original Selmon deal. Los Angeles Chargers Return The Chargers received an experienced defensive player and avoided paying premium draft capital. A fourth-round selection is a meaningful but manageable price for a veteran expected to help immediately. Selmon's San Diego tenure, however, did not produce enough lasting value to make the player side clearly superior to the future pick that Tampa Bay acquired. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Return Tampa Bay gained a fourth-round choice and preserved its flexibility for two seasons. The Buccaneers later demonstrated that flexibility by including No. 89 in the DeBerg transaction. That later trade does not add DeBerg or the other Denver compensation to the Selmon package, but it does show that the pick remained a useful asset rather than disappearing without value. Value in Hindsight The comparison should stay focused on Selmon versus No. 89. San Diego received some immediate veteran value, while Tampa Bay received a draft asset with continuing usefulness. Because Selmon did not deliver a major long-term return for the Chargers and the fourth-round pick retained meaningful market value, the Buccaneers hold the better side of the exchange. Final Verdict Tampa Bay earns a B- and the Chargers a C-. The Buccaneers converted Selmon into a flexible fourth-round selection, while San Diego received only limited lasting value from the player. The later DeBerg trade remains separate, but the pick's retained usefulness supports a modest Tampa Bay win.