Tampa Bay acquired running back Gary Anderson from San Diego…
Tampa Bay acquired running back Gary Anderson from San Diego for a 1990 third-round pick and a conditional 1991 second-round choice that transferred after Anderson remained with the Buccaneers. The picks became Jeff Mills at No. 57 and Eric Bieniemy at No. 39. Anderson immediately produced 1,110 yards from scrimmage in 1990 and remained useful for several seasons, narrowly outweighing the Chargers' solid draft return.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1990 third-round pick (No. 57, Jeff Mills)
- pick 1991 conditional second-round pick (No. 39, Eric Bieniemy)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Gary Anderson
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
On April 19, 1990, Tampa Bay acquired running back Gary Anderson from San Diego. The Chargers received a 1990 third-round selection and a conditional 1991 second-round selection. Draft records identify those choices as No. 57 Jeff Mills and No. 39 Eric Bieniemy. The second-round condition was tied to Anderson remaining with Tampa Bay, and it ultimately transferred.
Anderson's Immediate Tampa Value
The Buccaneers received production right away. Anderson rushed for 646 yards in 1990 and added 464 receiving yards, giving Tampa Bay 1,110 yards from scrimmage and five offensive touchdowns. He stayed with the club beyond that first season, so the trade was more than a one-year patch. His versatility fit an offense that needed reliable touches from the backfield.
What San Diego Did With the Picks
San Diego's return was meaningful. Mills became a defensive depth piece, while Bieniemy spent four seasons with the Chargers and contributed as a reserve runner and receiver. Neither developed into a star, but two top-60 selections gave the Chargers multiple chances to replace value after moving Anderson.
How the Value Aged
This is a close trade because both strategies worked. San Diego received legitimate draft capital and produced NFL contributors. Tampa Bay paid that price for a known player and received immediate, substantial offense. Anderson's 1990 season supplies the strongest single-season result directly connected to the exchange.
Final Verdict
Tampa Bay earns a B for acquiring a productive multi-year back. The Chargers get a B- for two useful draft assets that did not become core stars. The Buccaneers win by a narrow margin rather than by overwhelming value.
Gary Anderson immediately topped 1,100 yards from scrimmage for Tampa Bay and remained useful for several seasons, while San Diego converted the two incoming selections into Jeff Mills and Eric Bieniemy.