Chargers Trade Chandler to 49ers

The San Diego Chargers traded wide receiver Wes Chandler, a player about to lose his starting job, to the the San Francisco 49ers Wednesday for veteran offensive lineman Fred Quillan, who lost his starting job last year.

Chandler, an 11-year veteran and 4-time Pro Bowl performer, is 31. Quillan, the starting center on the 49ers’ 1981 and 1984 Super Bowl champions, is 32.

“We think we’ve made a trade that is beneficial to the Chargers and to Wes and we’re pleased to be able to do both,” said Steve Ortmayer, the Chargers’ director of football operations.

The 49ers were looking for depth at wide receiver. Veteran Dwight Clark is expected to announce his retirement any day, leaving the 49ers with only Jerry Rice and recently acquired Dokie Williams as established players at that position.

“He’s been a great player and part of our game plan is to bring in veterans with a new lease on life,” 49er Coach Bill Walsh said of Chandler.