Steelers Trade Quarterback Malone to Chargers

Quarterback Mark Malone, the lowest-rated passer in the National Football League last season, was traded Tuesday by the Pittsburgh Steelers to the San Diego Chargers for an eighth-round choice in this month’s draft and possible future considerations.

Pittsburgh could receive additional compensation based on Malone’s playing time next season.

The Chargers have been looking for a quarterback to replace Dan Fouts, who recently retired, and Malone was expendable because Pittsburgh got quarterback Todd Blackledge from the Kansas City Chiefs two weeks ago. Blackledge and Bubby Brister, Malone’s backup last year, are expected to contend for the starting job next season.

Malone, 29, who played for Arizona State, was Pittsburgh’s first draft choice in 1980 and had been the club’s starting quarterback the last four years.

He led the Steelers into the American Football Conference championship game in 1984, but they haven’t made the playoffs since. Last year, Malone threw 11 interceptions and only 1 touchdown pass in his last seven games.

While at Arizona State, Malone, a native of El Cajon, Calif., led the Sun Devils to a 20-7 victory over USC in 1978. It was USC’s only loss of the season.