Trade 1
February 1, 1939
Detroit Lions received Bill Patterson / Billy Patterson.
NFL Trade History
Bill Patterson / Billy Patterson NFL Trade History
TradeVerdicts connects Bill Patterson / Billy Patterson to 3 exact public NFL transactions involving Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Chicago Bears.
3 Recorded trades
3 Teams represented
1939–1940 Trade-history span
Player Transaction Context
Why Bill Patterson / Billy Patterson Appears in the Trade Database
This profile follows Bill Patterson / Billy Patterson across 3 recorded transactions from February 1, 1939 through August 10, 1940. Each connection below comes from the database relationship for that transaction rather than a name-only search.
Trade 2
April 27, 1939
Chicago Bears received rights to Bill Patterson / Billy Patterson.
Trade 3
August 10, 1940
Pittsburgh Steelers received Bill Patterson / Billy Patterson.
Across this profile, the recorded verdicts are Even Trade; Chicago Bears Win. The timeline spans 1939–1940 and 3 represented teams.
How to Read This Profile
Trade History Overview
Every transaction below comes from an explicit player-to-trade relationship in the TradeVerdicts database. Name-only substring matching is not used.
The cards summarize the date, teams, assets, grades, and verdict. Open the full trade page for the complete analysis and sourcing context. Grading standards are explained in the TradeVerdicts methodology.
Chronological Timeline
3 Recorded Trades
Trade 1 of 3
Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers
Detroit agreed to acquire Bill Patterson from Pittsburgh on February 1, 1939, with Vern Huffman and Ace Gutowsky going to the Pirates. The exchange did not stand: a February 12 transaction entry records the deal as canceled, with Patterson returning to Pittsburgh and the rights to Dick Nardi added as compensation. The C grade reflects a deal that produced no lasting original exchange.
Assets Received
Detroit Lions
- Player Bill Patterson / Billy Patterson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Player Vern Huffman
- Player Ace Gutowsky
Team Grades
Trade 2 of 3
Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers
Chicago acquired the rights to Bill Patterson, who reported and provided meaningful backfield and passing work during the 1939 season. His Bears contribution was not a long-term centerpiece, but it gave Chicago immediate offensive utility from the exchange. Compared with Sam Francis' brief five-game Pittsburgh tenure before another move, Patterson's larger role gives the Bears a modest advantage.
Assets Received
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Player Sam Francis
Chicago Bears
- Other rights to Bill Patterson / Billy Patterson
Team Grades
Trade 3 of 3
Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers
Chicago obtained Pittsburgh's 1941 first-round selection in exchange for quarterback Billy Patterson. The pick landed third overall and became Norm Standlee, who joined a powerful Bears roster and contributed during the club's championship period. Chicago turned one outgoing veteran into a premium selection and a high-level back, while Patterson did not create comparable long-term value in Pittsburgh. The draft-capital conversion makes this a clear Bears victory.
Assets Received
Chicago Bears
- Pick 1941 first round pick (#3-Norm Standlee)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Player Bill Patterson / Billy Patterson