Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh sent the 1939 second overall pick to Chicago for end Ed Manske. Chicago used that pick to select Sid Luckman, the Hall of Fame quarterback who became the engine of the Bears' 1940s dynasty. This remains one of the most lopsided draft-pick trades in NFL history; Pittsburgh essentially gifted the Bears their dynasty quarterback for a journeyman end. Luckman became a Hall of Famer, a league MVP, and the defining quarterback of the T-formation era, while Manske offered only limited short-term value. The deal is properly graded as a major Chicago win and one of Pittsburgh's most damaging early-franchise asset decisions
Assets Received
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Player Edgar Manske / Ed Manske / Eggs Manske
Chicago Bears
- Pick 1939 first round pick (#2-Sid Luckman)
Team Grades
Trade Analysis
Chicago Bears received 1939 first round pick (#2-Sid Luckman) and gave up Edgar Manske / Ed Manske / Eggs Manske. Chicago Bears has the edge because the recorded return carries stronger long-term football value than the package credited to Pittsburgh Steelers.