In the 2003 trade the Chargers got Phillip Rivers, a 2004 3rd round pick (Nate Kaeding), a 2005 first round pick (Shawne Merriman) and a 5th rounder which the Chargers traded. The Giants got Eli Manning in this deal.
Everyone thinks the Giants won this deal because of the two Super Bowls Eli won, but they won those Super Bowls because of the Giants spectacular defenses those years.
Eli was never playing for the Chargers. In pre draft interviews his father told the Chargers repeatedly that they would not play in LA. The Chargers still picked him because they knew they could get a good trade done.
Rivers vs Manning career by the numbers:
Rivers is 133-106, 64.9% completion, 63,440 yards, 421 touchdowns, and 209 interceptions in 244 games played.
Manning was 117-117, 60.3% completion, 57,023 yards, 366 touchdowns, and 244 interceptions, 236 interceptions.
Rivers has had a MUCH better career. There are multiple factors in winning a Super Bowl. It isn’t Rivers fault he has 0 rings.
Rivers for Manning straight up would’ve been a rip off but they also got:
Nate Kaeding (K) he went 87% on his field goals in San Diego during the 9 years he was a part of the organization.
Shawne Merriman (LB) nickname (Lights out). 3x Pro (1st 3 years in league). 6 years for the Chargers (43.5 sacks, 50 tackles for loss, 45 qb hits, 19 pass deflections, 8 forced fumbles and 4 fumble recoveries). In 2008 & 2010 he
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