The Chargers traded veteran guard Walt Sweeney to Washington…
The Chargers traded veteran guard Walt Sweeney to Washington for a 1974 fifth-rounder, a 1975 sixth-rounder, and a 1976 fourth-rounder. The 1976 selection is correctly No. 115 Artie Owens, not No. 110 Herb McMath. Turning one veteran into three draft assets gave the Chargers the broader long-term return and a modest hindsight edge.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1974 5th round pick (#105, John Teerlinck)
- pick 1975 6th round pick
- pick 1976 4th round pick (#115, Artie Owens)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Walt Sweeney
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
The Chargers sent veteran guard Walt Sweeney to Washington in 1974 for three draft selections: a 1974 fifth-round pick, a 1975 sixth-round pick, and a 1976 fourth-round pick. The 1974 fifth became No. 105 John Teerlinck. The 1976 fourth is correctly No. 115 Artie Owens, not No. 110 Herb McMath. The exact identity of the 1975 sixth should remain unassigned without stronger support.
Los Angeles Chargers Return
The Chargers converted one veteran into three separate draft assets spread across three years. That gave the organization multiple chances to replenish the roster and reduced the risk of relying on one selection. Teerlinck and Owens provide known endpoints for two of the choices, while the unresolved sixth-round identity does not erase the fact that the pick itself was part of the direct compensation.
Washington Commanders Return
Washington received Sweeney, an accomplished veteran offensive lineman who could help immediately. That made sense for a club prioritizing present roster strength over future selections. The downside is that Washington surrendered three picks, including a fourth-rounder, for a player whose remaining career horizon was naturally shorter than that of a younger acquisition.
Value in Hindsight
The trade is not a rout because Washington acquired a proven player rather than an uncertain prospect. Still, three draft choices gave the Chargers broader asset value, and the No. 115 attribution clarifies that return. The missing exact 1975 sixth-round selection should not be treated as missing consideration; the class of asset is sufficiently established.
Final Verdict
The Chargers receive a B- and Washington a C. Sweeney gave Washington immediate veteran value, but San Diego transformed him into three draft assets and ultimately received the more flexible return. The correct hindsight result is a Los Angeles Chargers Win by a modest margin, not an evidence failure and not a landslide.