Chicago Bears
Trade grades, verdicts, asset movement, and historical context for Chicago Bears trades.
Recent Trades
Seattle acquired 2025 6th round pick (185th overall subsequently traded, Will Howard) from Chicago Bears on 2024-08-23, sending Darrell Taylor in return. From a hindsight view, the Seahawks neither created a defining win nor suffered a major loss here. The important public-facing detail is the actual exchange — 2025 6th round pick (185th overall subsequently traded, Will Howard) for Darrell Taylor — rather than a forced storyline. That makes the row useful for database completeness while keeping it below the major-trade tier.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Justin Fields from Chicago for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick; the pick would have improved to a fourth-rounder if Fields played 51% of the 2024 snaps. Analysis: The cleaned record is a straightforward low-cost quarterback upside swing. Pittsburgh avoided premium draft capital while adding a former first-round passer with starting experience, making the trade a defensible Steelers win at the sixth-round price.
Summary: Jacksonville acquired 2023 2nd round pick (61st overall, Brenton Strange), 2023 5th round pick (136th overall, Yasir Abdullah) from Chicago Bears for 2023 2nd round pick (56th overall, Tyrique Stevenson). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange. Jacksonville addressed a roster or draft-board preference, while the partner received comparable value in return.
Summary: Pittsburgh dealt underperforming receiver Chase Claypool to Chicago in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick. The pick was used on defensive end Joey Porter Jr., who contributed as a rookie starter. Analysis: Claypool had significant talent but failed to develop into a consistent contributor in Pittsburgh, and his on-field production did not match expectations. Pittsburgh converted him into a second-round pick (Joey Porter Jr.) while Chicago hoped to unlock his potential — which never materialized. Porter has shown promise as a cornerback. Solid trade for Pittsburgh, but not the franchise-altering move the original A grade implies. Downgraded to B.
Seattle acquired 2021 6th round pick (208th overall, Stone Forsythe) from Chicago Bears on 2021-05-01, sending 2021 6th round pick (217th overall, Khalil Herbert); 2021 7th round pick (250th overall, Khyiris Tonga) in return. Seattle's side of this 2021 draft-capital exchange was straightforward: the Seahawks received 2021 6th round pick (208th overall, Stone Forsythe) and surrendered 2021 6th round pick (217th overall, Khalil Herbert); 2021 7th round pick (250th overall, Khyiris Tonga). The C grade reflects the known return, while Chicago Bears's C grade accounts for the countervalue. The trade belongs as a minor database entry because its documented impact was real but not franchise-shaping.
Minnesota received 2021 4th round pick (125th overall, Camryn Bynum) and sent 2020 5th round pick (155th overall, Trevis Gipson).
Summary: Jacksonville traded QB Nick Foles to Chicago for a 4th-round pick (Shaquille Quarterman, 140th). Analysis: Foles had been a expensive, disappointing starter in Jacksonville. Getting a 4th-round pick for a failed starter while clearing cap space was a solid outcome. Quarterman played meaningful defensive snaps for Jacksonville. B grade is appropriate — Jacksonville cleaned up a roster mistake while recovering usable draft capital.
Seattle acquired 2016 2nd round pick (49th overall, Jarran Reed) from Chicago Bears on 2016-04-29, sending 2016 2nd round pick (56th overall, Cody Whitehair); 2016 4th round pick (124th overall, Deon Bush) in return. Seattle's side of this 2016 draft-capital exchange was straightforward: the Seahawks received 2016 2nd round pick (49th overall, Jarran Reed) and surrendered 2016 2nd round pick (56th overall, Cody Whitehair); 2016 4th round pick (124th overall, Deon Bush). The C grade reflects the known return, while Chicago Bears's C grade accounts for the countervalue. The trade belongs as a minor database entry because its documented impact was real but not franchise-shaping.
Denver acquired 2014 5th round pick (156th overall, Lamin Barrow) and 2015 5th round pick (143rd overall subsequently traded, MyCole Pruitt) from Chicago Bears for 2014 4th round pick (131st overall, Brock Vereen) and 2014 7th round pick (246th overall, Charles Leno). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.
Seattle traded up in the 2009 second round to select C/G Max Unger, a future Pro Bowl lineman and key piece of the Super Bowl-era offense. Unger became the kind of interior-line stabilizer Seattle badly needed as the roster transitioned toward the Pete Carroll era. The cost — a third and fourth — was manageable, and the return became a multi-year starter with Pro Bowl value. This is exactly the kind of mid-round trade-up that works: a defined need, a premium fit, and a long-term starter.
Major Trades
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Justin Fields from Chicago for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick; the pick would have improved to a fourth-rounder if Fields played 51% of the 2024 snaps. Analysis: The cleaned record is a straightforward low-cost quarterback upside swing. Pittsburgh avoided premium draft capital while adding a former first-round passer with starting experience, making the trade a defensible Steelers win at the sixth-round price.
Summary: Pittsburgh dealt underperforming receiver Chase Claypool to Chicago in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick. The pick was used on defensive end Joey Porter Jr., who contributed as a rookie starter. Analysis: Claypool had significant talent but failed to develop into a consistent contributor in Pittsburgh, and his on-field production did not match expectations. Pittsburgh converted him into a second-round pick (Joey Porter Jr.) while Chicago hoped to unlock his potential — which never materialized. Porter has shown promise as a cornerback. Solid trade for Pittsburgh, but not the franchise-altering move the original A grade implies. Downgraded to B.
Seattle traded up in the 2009 second round to select C/G Max Unger, a future Pro Bowl lineman and key piece of the Super Bowl-era offense. Unger became the kind of interior-line stabilizer Seattle badly needed as the roster transitioned toward the Pete Carroll era. The cost — a third and fourth — was manageable, and the return became a multi-year starter with Pro Bowl value. This is exactly the kind of mid-round trade-up that works: a defined need, a premium fit, and a long-term starter.
Denver moved Jay Cutler and a fifth-round pick to Chicago after the quarterback relationship deteriorated, receiving Kyle Orton and a package that included two first-round picks and a third-rounder. Denver wrung strong value from an untenable quarterback situation. Cutler gave Chicago legitimate starting-caliber play but never became the franchise-elevating answer the Bears hoped for, while Denver extracted Kyle Orton and multiple premium picks from a broken relationship. The Broncos did not perfectly convert every asset, but the trade return itself was substantial enough to favor Denver in hindsight.
Summary: Pittsburgh traded the third overall pick in the 1965 draft to Chicago for two 1964 picks. The Bears selected Dick Butkus, widely considered the greatest middle linebacker in NFL history. Analysis: The third overall pick became Dick Butkus — a six-time All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler, and Hall of Famer who redefined the linebacker position. Pittsburgh received Jim Kelly (a guard who played a few seasons) and Ben McGee (a solid defensive end). The value disparity is staggering. Trading a pick that became Butkus for two mid-round contributors is among the franchise's most damaging deals. Original grade of B is reversed — this is a D for Pittsburgh, A+ for Chicago.
Stole workhorse RB Bill Brown from Bears for 1964 4th. Brown remained 1962-1974, franchise leader in rushing attempts (1,627), 5,757 yards, 52 TDs (tied record).
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired 1963 first round pick (#11-Dave Behrman) from Chicago Bears for Rudy Bukich; 1963 tenth round pick (#137-Ed Hoerster). Analysis: Pittsburgh acquired first-round draft capital from Chicago Bears in this deal. First-round picks carried premium value even in this era, typically representing a team's best opportunity to add impact talent. The return on that capital determines the ultimate grade of this transaction.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Rudy Bukich from Chicago Bears for 1963 first round pick (#11-Dave Behrman). Analysis: The trade grades against Pittsburgh because the outgoing side carried more durable value, stronger draft upside, or a better long-term return for Chicago Bears.
Summary: Pittsburgh traded Bobby Layne's draft rights to Chicago for rights to Ray Evans, a move that aged disastrously once Layne became a Hall of Fame quarterback. Analysis: Arguably the single worst asset-management decision in Steelers history — trading away a future Hall of Fame quarterback for a player who never appeared in an NFL game, then having to reacquire Layne years later at massive cost. The draft-rights context matters, but it does not rescue Pittsburgh's side of the ledger.
Summary: Pittsburgh sent the 1941 third overall pick to Chicago for Bill Patterson. Chicago used the pick on Norm Standlee, a three-time All-Pro fullback who played a key role in their 1941 title run. Analysis: Norm Standlee became an immediate contributor and All-Pro on a championship squad. Bill Patterson contributed little of substance in Pittsburgh. Trading a top-three pick for a backup-caliber player is a losing proposition, particularly when the player selected becomes a title contributor. Grade upgraded from C+ to D for Pittsburgh.
All Trades
55 recordsSeattle acquired 2025 6th round pick (185th overall subsequently traded, Will Howard) from Chicago Bears on 2024-08-23, sending Darrell Taylor in return. From a hindsight view, the Seahawks neither created a defining win nor suffered a major loss here. The important public-facing detail is the actual exchange — 2025 6th round pick (185th overall subsequently traded, Will Howard) for Darrell Taylor — rather than a forced storyline. That makes the row useful for database completeness while keeping it below the major-trade tier.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Justin Fields from Chicago for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick; the pick would have improved to a fourth-rounder if Fields played 51% of the 2024 snaps. Analysis: The cleaned record is a straightforward low-cost quarterback upside swing. Pittsburgh avoided premium draft capital while adding a former first-round passer with starting experience, making the trade a defensible Steelers win at the sixth-round price.
Summary: Jacksonville acquired 2023 2nd round pick (61st overall, Brenton Strange), 2023 5th round pick (136th overall, Yasir Abdullah) from Chicago Bears for 2023 2nd round pick (56th overall, Tyrique Stevenson). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange. Jacksonville addressed a roster or draft-board preference, while the partner received comparable value in return.
Summary: Pittsburgh dealt underperforming receiver Chase Claypool to Chicago in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick. The pick was used on defensive end Joey Porter Jr., who contributed as a rookie starter. Analysis: Claypool had significant talent but failed to develop into a consistent contributor in Pittsburgh, and his on-field production did not match expectations. Pittsburgh converted him into a second-round pick (Joey Porter Jr.) while Chicago hoped to unlock his potential — which never materialized. Porter has shown promise as a cornerback. Solid trade for Pittsburgh, but not the franchise-altering move the original A grade implies. Downgraded to B.
Seattle acquired 2021 6th round pick (208th overall, Stone Forsythe) from Chicago Bears on 2021-05-01, sending 2021 6th round pick (217th overall, Khalil Herbert); 2021 7th round pick (250th overall, Khyiris Tonga) in return. Seattle's side of this 2021 draft-capital exchange was straightforward: the Seahawks received 2021 6th round pick (208th overall, Stone Forsythe) and surrendered 2021 6th round pick (217th overall, Khalil Herbert); 2021 7th round pick (250th overall, Khyiris Tonga). The C grade reflects the known return, while Chicago Bears's C grade accounts for the countervalue. The trade belongs as a minor database entry because its documented impact was real but not franchise-shaping.
Minnesota received 2021 4th round pick (125th overall, Camryn Bynum) and sent 2020 5th round pick (155th overall, Trevis Gipson).
Summary: Jacksonville traded QB Nick Foles to Chicago for a 4th-round pick (Shaquille Quarterman, 140th). Analysis: Foles had been a expensive, disappointing starter in Jacksonville. Getting a 4th-round pick for a failed starter while clearing cap space was a solid outcome. Quarterman played meaningful defensive snaps for Jacksonville. B grade is appropriate — Jacksonville cleaned up a roster mistake while recovering usable draft capital.
Seattle acquired 2016 2nd round pick (49th overall, Jarran Reed) from Chicago Bears on 2016-04-29, sending 2016 2nd round pick (56th overall, Cody Whitehair); 2016 4th round pick (124th overall, Deon Bush) in return. Seattle's side of this 2016 draft-capital exchange was straightforward: the Seahawks received 2016 2nd round pick (49th overall, Jarran Reed) and surrendered 2016 2nd round pick (56th overall, Cody Whitehair); 2016 4th round pick (124th overall, Deon Bush). The C grade reflects the known return, while Chicago Bears's C grade accounts for the countervalue. The trade belongs as a minor database entry because its documented impact was real but not franchise-shaping.
Denver acquired 2014 5th round pick (156th overall, Lamin Barrow) and 2015 5th round pick (143rd overall subsequently traded, MyCole Pruitt) from Chicago Bears for 2014 4th round pick (131st overall, Brock Vereen) and 2014 7th round pick (246th overall, Charles Leno). This was primarily a draft-position exchange, with Denver reshaping its pick stack rather than adding an established player. The grades stay conservative because the historical value depends on how the selected players developed after the swap.
Seattle traded up in the 2009 second round to select C/G Max Unger, a future Pro Bowl lineman and key piece of the Super Bowl-era offense. Unger became the kind of interior-line stabilizer Seattle badly needed as the roster transitioned toward the Pete Carroll era. The cost — a third and fourth — was manageable, and the return became a multi-year starter with Pro Bowl value. This is exactly the kind of mid-round trade-up that works: a defined need, a premium fit, and a long-term starter.
Denver moved Jay Cutler and a fifth-round pick to Chicago after the quarterback relationship deteriorated, receiving Kyle Orton and a package that included two first-round picks and a third-rounder. Denver wrung strong value from an untenable quarterback situation. Cutler gave Chicago legitimate starting-caliber play but never became the franchise-elevating answer the Bears hoped for, while Denver extracted Kyle Orton and multiple premium picks from a broken relationship. The Broncos did not perfectly convert every asset, but the trade return itself was substantial enough to favor Denver in hindsight.
Seattle acquired Mike Green from Chicago Bears on 2006-04-25, sending 2006 6th round pick (200th overall, Tyler Reed) in return. This transaction fits Seattle's broader roster-building record for 2006: targeted asset movement, limited known aftershocks, and no obvious franchise-altering result. The Seahawks' B grade is tied to receiving Mike Green while parting with 2006 6th round pick (200th overall, Tyler Reed). Chicago Bears's side is graded C because the exchange appears roughly balanced from the available record.
Seattle acquired Alain Kashama from Chicago Bears on 2005-08-29, sending an undisclosed 2006 draft pick in return. The value case for Seattle comes down to the direct asset exchange: Alain Kashama for an undisclosed 2006 draft pick. There is no clear evidence of a major downstream swing, so the grade stays modest rather than inflated. For TradeVerdicts, this row matters because it preserves the transaction trail without overstating the long-term Seahawks impact.
Summary: Jacksonville traded the 143rd pick (Justin Gage) to Chicago and received three late picks: 176th (Brandon Green), 193rd (Marques Ogden), 218th (Malaefou MacKenzie). Analysis: Jacksonville gave up one 5th-round pick and received three picks in rounds 6-7. On pure pick-value charts, three late picks rarely exceed one mid-5th, but the volume gives the Jaguars three roster lottery tickets. None of the returning picks hit. Gage had a modest NFL career as a receiver. C+ is accurate — the pick consolidation math works, but the player outcomes are a wash.
Summary: Jacksonville traded OL Jimmy Herndon to Chicago for a 7th-round pick (Alvis Whitted, 192nd). Analysis: Herndon was a reserve lineman with no lasting impact. Getting any draft capital back — even a late 7th — for a depth player represents decent roster housekeeping. Whitted had a brief NFL career as a receiver. A routine swap between two low-value assets.
Traded QB Rick Mirer and 1997 4th-round pick to Bears for 1997 1st-round pick (#11). Used pick to trade up to #3 for CB Shawn Springs (7 seasons, Pro Bowl 1998). Mirer was 20-31 as Seahawks starter. Mirer had started 51 games for Seattle but had clearly plateaued. Turning him and a 4th-rounder into a 1st-round pick, then using that capital in the Shawn Springs chain, was sharp asset management. Chicago got one poor season from Mirer; Seattle extracted premium value from a quarterback it was ready to move on from. Winner: Seattle Seahawks.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired 1995 5th round pick (151st overall, Lee Flowers) from Chicago Bears for Jeff Graham. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired 1994 conditional fourth or fifth round pick (dependent on Worley's performance) (#140-Myron Bell (Corey)); 1995 conditional sixth or seventh round pick (dependent on Worley's performance) (not exercised?) from Chicago Bears for Tim Worley. Analysis: The trade grades against Pittsburgh because the outgoing side carried more durable value, stronger draft upside, or a better long-term return for Chicago Bears. The grade is deliberately conservative because part of the source record is incomplete, conditional, approximate, or still too recent for a firm historical verdict.
Denver acquired Calvin Thomas from Chicago Bears for undisclosed conditional pick (?-?). Denver paid draft capital for Calvin Thomas, making this a targeted personnel acquisition instead of a pure pick shuffle. The Broncos grade of C reflects the balance between immediate roster help and the opportunity cost of the pick sent to Chicago Bears.
Denver acquired Stefan Humphries from Chicago Bears for Bryan Wagner. Denver swapped Bryan Wagner for Stefan Humphries, a direct player-value trade with limited evidence of a major long-term swing. The grades remain modest because the available record supports a useful roster exchange, not a clear franchise-changing win.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Alvin Maxson from Chicago Bears for past considerations (?). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return. The grade is deliberately conservative because part of the source record is incomplete, conditional, approximate, or still too recent for a firm historical verdict.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired conditional draft pick (?-?) from Chicago Bears for Wayne Mattingly. Analysis: This 1976 transaction with Chicago Bears registered as a roughly balanced exchange. Both clubs addressed their stated roster or draft-board priorities without a clear winner emerging from the historical record. The assets involved were comparable in tier and subsequent career value.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired 1976 second round pick (#37-Ray Pinney); 1977 fourth round pick (#99-Laverne Smith) from Chicago Bears for Ron Shanklin. Analysis: This 1975 transaction with Chicago Bears registered as a roughly balanced exchange. Both clubs addressed their stated roster or draft-board priorities without a clear winner emerging from the historical record. The assets involved were comparable in tier and subsequent career value.
Denver acquired 1975 eighth round pick (#187-Greg Denboer / Greg den Boer) from Chicago Bears for Randy Montgomery. Denver converted Randy Montgomery into draft capital, a practical roster-management decision rather than a franchise-shaping swing. The Broncos grade stays at C because the return was useful but limited, while Chicago Bears lands at C based on the player value it acquired.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Gail Clark from Chicago Bears for Bob Wallace / Bobby Wallace. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Bob Wallace / Bobby Wallace from Chicago Bears for Gail Clark. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return.
Denver acquired $1 cash from Chicago Bears for Ike Hill (a). This remains a low-scale transaction built around cash, conditional terms, or incomplete draft compensation. It is retained for trade-history completeness, with conservative grades because the verified long-term impact is limited.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired 1973 draft pick (?-?) from Chicago Bears for Clarence Washington / C. Washington?. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return. The grade is deliberately conservative because part of the source record is incomplete, conditional, approximate, or still too recent for a firm historical verdict.
Denver acquired cash from Chicago Bears for James Ferguson / Jim Ferguson?. This remains a low-scale transaction built around cash, conditional terms, or incomplete draft compensation. It is retained for trade-history completeness, with conservative grades because the verified long-term impact is limited.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Charlie Bivins / Charley Bivins from Chicago Bears for Dan James. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return.
Vikings received 1966 fifth round pick (#76-Bob Hall (b)); sent Palmer Pyle.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Chuck Logan from Chicago Bears for 1966 fourth round pick (#51-Randy Jackson (Belford)). Analysis: The trade grades against Pittsburgh because the outgoing side carried more durable value, stronger draft upside, or a better long-term return for Chicago Bears.
Summary: Pittsburgh traded the third overall pick in the 1965 draft to Chicago for two 1964 picks. The Bears selected Dick Butkus, widely considered the greatest middle linebacker in NFL history. Analysis: The third overall pick became Dick Butkus — a six-time All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler, and Hall of Famer who redefined the linebacker position. Pittsburgh received Jim Kelly (a guard who played a few seasons) and Ben McGee (a solid defensive end). The value disparity is staggering. Trading a pick that became Butkus for two mid-round contributors is among the franchise's most damaging deals. Original grade of B is reversed — this is a D for Pittsburgh, A+ for Chicago.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Art Anderson (a) from Chicago Bears for 1964 sixth round pick (#84-Jimmy Jones). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired 1964 sixth round pick (#84-Jimmy Jones) from Chicago Bears for Tom Bettis. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return.
Stole workhorse RB Bill Brown from Bears for 1964 4th. Brown remained 1962-1974, franchise leader in rushing attempts (1,627), 5,757 yards, 52 TDs (tied record).
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Ken Kirk from Chicago Bears for 1963 sixth round pick (#80-John Johnson (Howard)). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Harlon Hill from Chicago Bears for 1963 fourth round pick (#52-Charley Mitchell (c)); 1964 fourth round pick (#51-Ben McGee). Analysis: The trade grades against Pittsburgh because the outgoing side carried more durable value, stronger draft upside, or a better long-term return for Chicago Bears.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired 1963 first round pick (#11-Dave Behrman) from Chicago Bears for Rudy Bukich; 1963 tenth round pick (#137-Ed Hoerster). Analysis: Pittsburgh acquired first-round draft capital from Chicago Bears in this deal. First-round picks carried premium value even in this era, typically representing a team's best opportunity to add impact talent. The return on that capital determines the ultimate grade of this transaction.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired 1963 tenth round pick (#137-Ed Hoerster) from Chicago Bears for Bobby Joe Green. Analysis: The trade grades against Pittsburgh because the outgoing side carried more durable value, stronger draft upside, or a better long-term return for Chicago Bears.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Bob Coronado / Bobby Coronado from Chicago Bears for 1962 second round pick (#20-Clyde Brock). Analysis: The trade grades against Pittsburgh because the outgoing side carried more durable value, stronger draft upside, or a better long-term return for Chicago Bears.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Rudy Bukich from Chicago Bears for 1963 first round pick (#11-Dave Behrman). Analysis: The trade grades against Pittsburgh because the outgoing side carried more durable value, stronger draft upside, or a better long-term return for Chicago Bears.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Aubrey Rozzell from Chicago Bears for cash. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Ralph Jecha from Chicago Bears for 1957 conditional eighth round pick (if Jecha makes Steelers roster) (possibly #91-Al Ward). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return. The grade is deliberately conservative because part of the source record is incomplete, conditional, approximate, or still too recent for a firm historical verdict.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Ed Meadows from Chicago Bears for draft pick (possibly 1957 #91-Al Ward). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return. The grade is deliberately conservative because part of the source record is incomplete, conditional, approximate, or still too recent for a firm historical verdict.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Dick Oniskey from Chicago Bears for draft pick (?-?). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return. The grade is deliberately conservative because part of the source record is incomplete, conditional, approximate, or still too recent for a firm historical verdict.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Art DeCarlo from Chicago Bears for Jerry Shipkey. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Paul Lea (a) from Chicago Bears for 1952 fifth round pick (#54-John Hoffman / Jack Hoffman (a)). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Tom Jelley from Chicago Bears for 1952 eighth round pick (#90-Bill Bishop). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return. The grade is deliberately conservative because part of the source record is incomplete, conditional, approximate, or still too recent for a firm historical verdict.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Frank Minini from Chicago Bears for 1950 fourth round pick (#48-Tom Novak). Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Fred Hartman; rights to Walt Pupa from Chicago Bears for Paul Stenn. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return.
Summary: Pittsburgh traded Bobby Layne's draft rights to Chicago for rights to Ray Evans, a move that aged disastrously once Layne became a Hall of Fame quarterback. Analysis: Arguably the single worst asset-management decision in Steelers history — trading away a future Hall of Fame quarterback for a player who never appeared in an NFL game, then having to reacquire Layne years later at massive cost. The draft-rights context matters, but it does not rescue Pittsburgh's side of the ledger.
Summary: Pittsburgh sent the 1941 third overall pick to Chicago for Bill Patterson. Chicago used the pick on Norm Standlee, a three-time All-Pro fullback who played a key role in their 1941 title run. Analysis: Norm Standlee became an immediate contributor and All-Pro on a championship squad. Bill Patterson contributed little of substance in Pittsburgh. Trading a top-three pick for a backup-caliber player is a losing proposition, particularly when the player selected becomes a title contributor. Grade upgraded from C+ to D for Pittsburgh.
Summary: Pittsburgh acquired Sam Francis from Chicago Bears for rights to Bill Patterson / Billy Patterson. Analysis: The available record points to a balanced exchange rather than a clear steal. Pittsburgh addressed its roster or draft-board preference, while Chicago Bears received comparable value in return.
Summary: 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. Analysis: 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.