San Diego sent Washington its 1989 twelfth-round selection,…
San Diego sent Washington its 1989 twelfth-round selection, No. 316, which became Jimmie Johnson, and received Washington's 1990 twelfth-round choice, No. 326, later used on Elliott Searcy. The trade was essentially a one-year shift of very late draft capital. Washington received the earlier opportunity and extracted the slightly better practical value, while San Diego's deferred selection did not create a stronger NFL return.
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1990 twelfth round pick (#326-Elliott Searcy)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1989 twelfth round pick (#316-Jimmie Johnson)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
San Diego and Washington exchanged twelfth-round draft assets on April 24, 1989. Washington received the Chargers' current-year choice at No. 316 and used it on Jimmie Johnson. San Diego received Washington's twelfth-round pick in the following year's draft, which became No. 326 and was used on Elliott Searcy. The deal was effectively an exchange of timing at the bottom of the draft.
San Diego Chargers Return
San Diego sent Washington its 1989 twelfth-round selection, No. 316, which became Jimmie Johnson, and received Washington's 1990 twelfth-round choice, No. 326, later used on Elliott Searcy. The trade was essentially a one-year shift of very late draft capital. Washington received the earlier opportunity and extracted the slightly better practical value, while San Diego's deferred selection did not create a stronger NFL return.
Washington Return
Washington acquired San Diego's 1989 twelfth-round choice at No. 316 and sent back its own 1990 twelfth-rounder, No. 326. The Chargers ultimately used the future pick on Elliott Searcy. With both selections sitting near the end of their drafts, the stakes were low, but Washington gained the earlier asset and the better realized side of the exchange. San Diego's delayed return did not overcome that timing advantage.
Value in Hindsight
The trade belongs in the margins rather than among major franchise decisions. Both assets were extremely late selections, and neither side uncovered a transformational player. Still, current draft capital is generally worth slightly more than an equivalent future pick because it can help the roster sooner. Washington captured that timing advantage, while San Diego's eventual No. 326 choice did not produce enough value to reverse it.
Final Verdict
Washington earns a B- and San Diego a C-. The grade gap reflects timing and the realized return, not the scale of the trade. Washington gained the earlier selection and the slightly better outcome. San Diego recovered a legitimate future pick, but the deferred asset never developed into enough value to make the exchange even.