San Diego sent Wes Chandler to San Francisco with Fred…

The Exchange

San Francisco acquired veteran wide receiver Wes Chandler from San Diego in June 1988. Fred Quillan was the initial player consideration, but the deal included protection if Quillan did not remain with the Chargers. When that condition was triggered, San Diego's realized return became seventh-round selections in 1989 and 1990, later used on Terrance Jones and Keith Collins.

San Diego Chargers Return

San Diego sent Wes Chandler to San Francisco with Fred Quillan initially heading the other way. When Quillan did not remain with the Chargers, the protected terms produced 1989 and 1990 seventh-round selections instead. Those picks became Terrance Jones and Keith Collins and did not match Chandler's remaining contribution. The conditional structure protected San Diego from receiving nothing, but San Francisco still secured the stronger practical return.

San Francisco 49ers Return

San Francisco acquired veteran receiver Wes Chandler from San Diego in 1988. The initial consideration was center Fred Quillan, but when Quillan did not remain with the Chargers, draft protection converted the return into seventh-round selections in 1989 and 1990, used on Terrance Jones and Keith Collins. Chandler was past his peak but still gave the 49ers useful receiving depth. San Francisco received the best direct football value.

Value in Hindsight

The conditional mechanics are essential to understanding the transaction. Quillan should not be treated as though he were a draft choice, and the two seventh-rounders were replacement consideration triggered by the failed player transfer. Once the realized package is separated correctly, San Francisco's veteran return stands out as the most useful football value.

Final Verdict

San Francisco earns a B and San Diego a C-. The Chargers wisely included protection, but the replacement picks did not produce enough to match Chandler's remaining usefulness to a contender.