Chicago Bears

Atlanta acquired defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. from Chicago for cornerback Clark Phillips III and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Dexter brought 49 games, 33 starts and 13.5 sacks into the final year of his rookie contract, giving the Falcons an established interior defender with immediate starting value. Atlanta paid a young reserve corner and Day 3 capital rather than an early draft choice.

Buffalo Bills received two seventh-round rookies who both made Buffalo's initial 53-man roster: punter Tommy Doman at No. 239 and guard Ar'maj Reed-Adams at No. 241. The team earns a C, compared with C for Chicago Bears, and the hindsight verdict is Even Trade. That judgment reflects the concrete team-specific production, role and tenure created by the assets in this deal.

Carolina sent picks No. 124 and No. 166 to Chicago in the 2026 draft and received Nos. 129 and 144. The Panthers used the new selections on Will Lee and Sam Hecht, improving their fifth-round position by 22 spots while sliding only five places in the fourth. With the players still early in their careers, the exchange remains a balanced Day 3 reshuffling rather than a settled long-term result.

Chicago moved down from No. 60 to No. 69 in the 2026 draft and added No. 144. The Bears selected Stanford tight end Sam Roush at No. 69, while the later fifth-round choice was subsequently moved. The trade let Chicago gain an additional asset while still landing a player it valued, but the regular-season results are not yet available.

Chicago agreed on March 6, 2026 to send a 2027 fifth-round pick to New England for center Garrett Bradbury, a deal that became official with the new league year on March 11. The Bears moved quickly after Drew Dalman's retirement, adding a veteran who had started all 105 of his NFL games and every game of New England's 2025 run to Super Bowl LX.

Buffalo paid the No. 60 pick for D.J. Moore and Chicago's No. 165 selection, giving Josh Allen an established receiver while preserving a later draft asset. Chicago converted a veteran contract into a second-rounder. With Moore yet to play a regular-season game for Buffalo, the exchange remains balanced between immediate offensive help and meaningful young-cost-controlled capital.

Chicago got eight games, 13 tackles and no sacks from Joe Tryon-Shoyinka in 2025, then used the acquired No. 239 pick with another seventh-rounder to move up for Jordan van den Berg, who made his 2026 debut in Week 1. Cleveland used No. 206 as one of three picks to move up for Austin Barber, now a rookie starter. Both draft branches are still too early for a stronger hindsight call, so C/C remains even.

Buffalo moved back up to No. 109 in the 2025 fourth round to select Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker, sending Chicago Nos. 132 and 169. The Bills had previously sent No. 109 to the Bears in their larger Day 2 trade, then decided Walker was worth reacquiring the pick. Buffalo's return is one high-upside defensive lineman whose career remains in its early stages.

Chicago received Luke Newman, who has appeared in 10 regular-season games through Week 1 of 2026, plus the 2026 No. 129 pick that later helped the Bears trade for Nos. 124 and 166. Los Angeles used No. 148 on Ty Hamilton, now at 15 games with no starts and 12 tackles. The Bears retain a narrow hindsight edge, B- to C+.

Buffalo jumped from No. 56 to No. 41 in the 2025 draft and came away with T.J. Sanders, while also receiving Nos. 72 and 240. The Bills used those additional selections on Landon Jackson and Kaden Prather. They paid Nos. 56, 62 and 109, making this a substantial consolidation of capital rather than a simple move up fifteen spots.

Chicago acquired Joe Thuney from Kansas City for a 2026 fourth-round pick and received exactly the kind of stabilizing veteran it wanted. Thuney started all 17 games in 2025, earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, won the inaugural NFL Protector of the Year award and helped the Bears win the NFC North. That immediate elite return supports a clear Chicago win.

Chicago acquired Jonah Jackson after his injury-shortened Rams season, while Los Angeles received the 2025 sixth-round pick that became No. 202. The Rams later combined No. 202 with No. 201 in a trade with Minnesota to reach No. 172 and select Chris Paul. Jackson's Bears tenure and the Rams' downstream draft return remain recent, leaving the deal evenly graded at C+ for both teams.

Cleveland traded defensive tackle Chris Williams and a 2025 seventh-round pick to Chicago on August 24, 2024 for a 2025 sixth-round pick originally acquired from Miami. Williams played 31 regular-season games for the Bears across 2024-25, recording 37 tackles and four sacks. Chicago later used the seventh-rounder, No. 240, as part of its 2025 draft trade with Buffalo, giving the Bears both direct defensive production and retained draft capital.

Seattle traded edge rusher Darrell Taylor to Chicago on August 23, 2024, for a 2025 sixth-round choice that settled at No. 185 and was later moved again. The Seahawks recovered late-round capital from a player whose role was changing under a new staff. Because Seattle did not turn the pick itself into a major direct return, the value stays modest.

Chicago traded its 2025 fourth-round pick to Buffalo during the 2024 draft to reacquire No. 144 and select edge defender Austin Booker. That future fourth became No. 109, which Buffalo used on defensive tackle Deone Walker. Both teams turned the exchange into young defensive contributors, but Walker's immediate starting role gives Buffalo a slight edge.

Pittsburgh acquired Justin Fields for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick that remained a sixth and became No. 202 overall. Fields gave the Steelers a useful one-year bridge, going 4-2 in six starts and finishing 2024 with 1,106 passing yards, 289 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns. Chicago later used the No. 202 pick to acquire guard Jonah Jackson from the Rams. Jackson started all 17 games for the 2025 Bears and remained a starter entering 2026, giving Chicago the stronger realized downstream return to date.

Chicago Bears received Keenan Allen in the 2024-03-14 exchange, while San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers received 2024 4th round pick (110th overall subsequently traded, Javon Baker). Chicago acquired Keenan Allen and immediately added a proven receiving option. Allen gave the Bears direct veteran value from the trade, which is more than the Chargers ultimately realized from the original fourth-round asset in their own roster.

Buffalo traded Ryan Bates to Chicago for the 2024 fifth-round pick that became No. 144. The Bills did not select Austin Booker with it; they traded No. 144 back to Chicago for a 2025 fourth-round pick, which is the proper Buffalo return to trace. Bates played 19 Bears games across 2024-25 but made only two starts. Buffalo wins on preserved draft value and Chicago's limited offensive-line return.

Chicago acquired Montez Sweat for the 2024 second-round pick that became No. 40. Sweat produced 21.5 sacks in 42 regular-season games for the Bears from the trade through 2025 and signed a long-term extension. Washington later packaged No. 40 with two other picks to acquire Nos. 50, 53 and 161, so those three selections cannot be credited solely to the Sweat trade. Both sides created substantial value.

Chicago traded Chase Claypool and its 2025 seventh-round pick to Miami on October 6, 2023 for the Dolphins' 2025 sixth-rounder. The sixth became No. 192, which the Bears later sent to Cleveland for defensive tackle Chris Williams and pick No. 240. Williams played 31 regular-season games for Chicago across 2024-25 with four sacks, while No. 240 later remained part of a larger 2025 draft trade with Buffalo. Chicago therefore recovered useful multi-year defensive value after moving on from Claypool.

Miami moved veteran guard Dan Feeney to Chicago for a 2024 sixth-round pick and turned that choice into wide receiver Malik Washington at No. 184. Washington produced 72 catches for 540 yards through his first two seasons while also becoming a significant return specialist. Feeney gave Chicago veteran line depth in 2023, but Miami converted a surplus player into a younger multi-year contributor.

New Orleans moved up to pick No. 103 in the 2023 draft and selected guard Nick Saldiveri, sending Chicago picks No. 115 and No. 165. The Bears turned those selections into running back Roschon Johnson and cornerback Terell Smith. Both Chicago players supplied more sustained regular-season value than Saldiveri through the first three seasons, giving the Bears the stronger two-player return.

Chicago moved up for Tyrique Stevenson, who quickly became a starting cornerback and a substantial part of the Bears' secondary. His career is still developing, but the early return includes meaningful starting snaps and legitimate defensive value at a premium position. That makes Chicago's side productive, though not clearly superior to Jacksonville's two-player return while all three players remain relatively early in their careers.

Philadelphia moved from No. 10 to No. 9 and selected Jalen Carter, while Chicago received the No. 10 pick used on Darnell Wright plus the 2024 fourth-round pick used on Tory Taylor. Carter became a disruptive interior cornerstone for the Eagles, and Wright developed into a high-end right tackle for the Bears. Both teams converted a one-slot draft move into premium long-term value.

Carolina sent Chicago D.J. Moore, the 2023 No. 9 pick, a 2023 second, a 2024 first and a 2025 second to move to No. 1 for Bryce Young. Young improved to 3,011 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2025, but Chicago’s return became Caleb Williams, Moore and additional premium players including Luther Burden III. Williams has 7,483 passing yards through two seasons. Carolina’s quarterback progress does not erase the enormous value gap.

Pittsburgh traded Chase Claypool to Chicago for the Bears' 2023 second-round pick, which finished No. 32 overall and became Joey Porter Jr. Claypool played only 10 games for Chicago, catching 18 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown before the Bears traded him to Miami. Porter has started 41 games through three seasons with 31 passes defensed and three interceptions. The trade became a franchise-level win for Pittsburgh.

Baltimore acquired Roquan Smith from Chicago at the 2022 deadline for A.J. Klein, a 2023 second-round pick and a 2023 fifth-rounder. Smith quickly became the centerpiece of the Ravens defense and earned top-level honors after the move. Chicago used the premium pick on Gervon Dexter and added Noah Sewell, so the Bears recovered meaningful young talent, but Baltimore obtained the proven star and won the deal.

Chicago traded veteran pass rusher Robert Quinn to Philadelphia on October 26, 2022 for a 2023 fourth-round pick that became No. 133 overall, Tyler Scott. Quinn was nearing the end of his Bears tenure, and Chicago converted him into a young receiver. Scott did not become an immediate star, but securing a fourth-round asset for a veteran who produced little after the trade gave the Bears the stronger transaction value.

Chicago Bears received N'Keal Harry in the 2022-07-12 exchange, while New England Patriots received 2024 7th round pick (231st overall, Jaheim Bell). Chicago acquired N’Keal Harry for a future seventh-round choice. The cost was low, but Harry did not produce enough value for the Bears to make the acquisition a clear success, keeping Chicago around an average grade.

Buffalo sent picks 168 and 203 to Chicago for No. 148 and selected Khalil Shakir. Shakir developed into Josh Allen's dependable slot target, led Buffalo with 76 catches and 821 receiving yards in 2024 and signed an extension through 2029. Chicago used No. 168 on Braxton Jones, who has started 44 of 46 career games at left tackle and earned PFWA All-Rookie honors. Both teams found long-term starters, making this an excellent even trade.

Chicago received both No. 166 and No. 207. The Bears later converted No. 166 into additional draft value and used No. 207 on Doug Kramer, so the complete two-pick package gave Chicago the stronger aggregate return. That outcome supports a B grade within the Chicago Bears Win verdict. The grade reflects realized football value rather than the size of the original package.

Chicago received the final two selections of the 2022 draft and used them on Elijah Hicks and Trenton Gill. Hicks became a useful defensive back and special-teams contributor, while Gill handled punting duties before his Bears tenure ended. Getting two players who produced real NFL service from a future sixth gives Chicago the slightly stronger combined return.

The Chargers acquired Khalil Mack from Chicago for a 2022 second-round pick and a 2023 sixth-rounder. Mack delivered multiple seasons of high-end edge play in Los Angeles, including a major 2023 pass-rushing season. Chicago used the second-round selection on safety Jaquan Brisker, who immediately became a full-time starter, leaving both organizations with substantial direct value from very different roster-building approaches.

Chicago acquired receiver and return specialist Jakeem Grant from Miami for a 2023 sixth-round pick. Grant gave the Bears an immediate return-game and offensive option for the remainder of the 2021 season, but his stay was brief. Miami later moved the No. 178 selection in another transaction, and the downstream path did not create enough value to establish a clear advantage.

Chicago sent Anthony Miller and a 2022 seventh-round pick to Houston for a 2022 fifth-round selection. The Bears later traded that No. 148 pick to Buffalo for Nos. 168 and 203, using No. 168 on tackle Braxton Jones. Jones became the most meaningful downstream asset from the transaction, giving Chicago the stronger long-term return from moving Miller.

Seattle moved up nine spots in the 2021 sixth round, sending picks 217 and 250 to Chicago for No. 208. The Seahawks selected tackle Stone Forsythe, while the Bears landed running back Khalil Herbert and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga. Forsythe became a useful starter, but the combined production of Herbert and Tonga gives Chicago the stronger overall return.

Chicago moved up from No. 52 to No. 39 in the 2021 draft and selected offensive lineman Teven Jenkins, while Carolina received Nos. 52, 83 and 204 and also sent No. 151 to the Bears. The Panthers converted the move-down into Tommy Tremble, Shi Smith and additional trade flexibility. Chicago got useful linemen in Jenkins and Larry Borom, but Carolina extracted the broader package.

Chicago moved from No. 20 to No. 11 on April 29, 2021 by sending New York picks No. 20 and No. 164 plus first- and fourth-round selections in 2022. The Bears used No. 11 on quarterback Justin Fields, who started 38 games over three Chicago seasons, threw for 6,674 yards and 40 touchdowns, rushed for 2,220 yards and 14 scores, and was later traded to Pittsburgh. He delivered real starting-quarterback value but did not become Chicago's long-term answer.

Chicago moved from No. 20 to No. 11 in the 2021 draft for Justin Fields, sending New York pick 164 plus first- and fourth-rounders in 2022. Fields gave the Bears three seasons of starting quarterback play but never became their long-term answer. New York's haul included Kadarius Toney, Evan Neal and Daniel Bellinger; uneven results kept the package from becoming a windfall, but the Giants retained more aggregate value.

Chicago Bears received 2021 6th round pick (208th overall subsequently traded, Stone Forsythe) from Miami Dolphins, giving up Adam Shaheen. The conditional choice improved to a sixth-rounder and became No. 208. The return supports a C+ grade because the value directly tied to this deal fits that mark. The final verdict is Miami Dolphins Win.

Minnesota turned a future fourth-round pick into safety Camryn Bynum after Chicago used the acquired 2020 fifth-rounder on edge rusher Trevis Gipson. Gipson supplied some pass-rush production during three Bears seasons, but Bynum became a full-time Vikings starter from 2022 through 2024, starting every regular-season game in that span and producing eight interceptions before leaving in free agency.

Chicago moved up to No. 173 and selected Darnell Mooney, also receiving pick No. 227, while Philadelphia collected three later selections that became Shaun Bradley, Quez Watkins and Casey Toohill. Mooney quickly became a starting receiver and posted a 1,000-yard season in 2021. Philadelphia found role players, but none matched Mooney's sustained offensive production, leaving the Bears with the stronger return.

Jacksonville traded Nick Foles to Chicago for the 140th pick in the 2020 draft, which became linebacker Shaquille Quarterman. The Jaguars escaped a quarterback situation that had collapsed after one injury-marred season and recovered a fourth-round asset. Chicago received a veteran challenger to Mitchell Trubisky, but Foles went 2-5 as a Bears starter in 2020 and never solved the franchise's quarterback problem.

Chicago Bears received Eddy Pineiro in the 2019-05-06 exchange involving Las Vegas/Oakland Raiders. Pineiro handled Chicago's kicking job throughout 2019, making 23 of 28 field goals and 27 of 29 extra points and giving the Bears a usable starter for the season. That realized return supports a C+ grade for Chicago Bears. The overall verdict is Chicago Bears Win, with the grade based on direct value created from this transaction.

Chicago moved from No. 87 to No. 73 in the 2019 draft for David Montgomery and also received pick No. 205, used on Duke Shelley. Montgomery became the Bears’ lead back for four seasons, topping 800 rushing yards every year and producing more than 4,800 yards from scrimmage in Chicago. New England received Damien Harris plus additional draft capital, making the price meaningful but still worthwhile for the Bears.

Chicago moved Jordan Howard for a conditional 2020 selection that became sixth-round pick No. 200. The Bears did not simply draft Quez Watkins with it; they later bundled No. 200 in a multi-pick exchange with Philadelphia. Howard, meanwhile, produced 525 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns in 10 Eagles games during 2019. Chicago retained useful draft-trade leverage, but Philadelphia received the stronger directly traceable football return and wins the deal in hindsight.

Chicago sent defensive back Deiondre' Hall to Philadelphia on September 1, 2018 for a conditional 2019 seventh-round pick. The condition was satisfied and the selection became No. 222 overall, which Chicago used on running back Kerrith Whyte. Whyte did not appear in a regular-season game for the Bears before being waived in September 2019, so the pick produced little direct return for Chicago.

Chicago's trade for Khalil Mack gave the Bears an instant superstar and briefly turned their defense into one of the league's defining units. The Raiders received a major draft package, but the return never matched the value of an elite pass rusher in his prime. Chicago paid heavily, yet still acquired the best player. The deal remains a strong Bears win because Mack delivered superstar impact immediately, even if Chicago did not turn the window into a championship.

Chicago Bears received 2018 2nd round pick (51st overall, Anthony Miller) in the 2018-04-27 exchange with New England Patriots. Anthony Miller became a useful receiving option in Chicago, but he never developed into the kind of long-term difference-maker that would erase the cost of moving both a current fourth-rounder and a future second-rounder. The direct return and the football value it produced drive the hindsight judgment. Against the assets Chicago Bears surrendered, the result supports New England Patriots Win and a C grade for Chicago Bears.

Chicago acquired Dontrelle Inman for a conditional 2018 seventh-round pick tied to his receiving production. Inman caught 23 passes for 334 yards and a touchdown for the Bears in 2017, falling short of the reported 25-reception threshold. The condition therefore did not produce a pick for Los Angeles. Chicago received eight games of useful receiver production without surrendering the draft asset, while the Chargers received no realized return from the condition.

Los Angeles moved down five spots in the fourth round on April 29, 2017, sending No. 112 to Chicago for Nos. 117 and 197. The Rams selected wide receiver Josh Reynolds at No. 117; over four Los Angeles seasons he played 64 regular-season games with 24 starts, catching 113 passes for 1,450 yards and nine touchdowns. The Rams then combined No. 197 with their own No. 141 to move up for linebacker Samson Ebukam, so the sixth-rounder also retained trade value without being solely responsible for Ebukam's acquisition.

Arizona moved up to 2017 second-round No. 36 for Budda Baker and also received No. 221 Shalom Luani, sending Chicago Nos. 45, 119 and 197 plus a 2018 fourth-round pick. Chicago gained several chances and landed Tarik Cohen among them, but Baker became a perennial Pro Bowl safety, giving Arizona the transaction's highest-value outcome.

San Francisco moved down only one spot in the 2017 draft and collected Chicago’s third- and fourth-round picks plus a 2018 third-rounder. The 49ers still selected Solomon Thomas at No. 3, while later value from the package connected directly to Fred Warner. Thomas never met his draft billing, but gaining multiple selections for allowing Chicago to move from third to second gave San Francisco a substantial value advantage.

the Rams received 2016 4th round pick (117th overall, Pharoh Cooper), 2016 6th round pick (206th overall, Mike Thomas), while Chicago received 2016 4th round pick (113th overall, Nick Kwiatkoski). The hindsight grades are C for the Rams and B for Chicago. The verdict is grounded in the actual starts, production, tenure and downstream draft results produced by those assets.

Buffalo moved up eight spots for Reggie Ragland, sending Chicago No. 49, No. 117 and a 2017 fourth-rounder. Ragland tore his ACL before his rookie season and was traded to Kansas City a year later. Chicago repeatedly moved the acquired picks, with the return helping produce Cody Whitehair, Deon Bush, Nick Kwiatkoski and Eddie Jackson. That depth of value overwhelms Buffalo's brief ownership of Ragland.

Seattle moved up to No. 49 and selected Jarran Reed, who became a long-term productive defensive tackle for the Seahawks. Reed's sustained role made the aggressive move worthwhile and gives Seattle a strong grade rather than treating this as a failed trade-up. The Seahawks received one high-quality contributor, even though Chicago ultimately produced slightly more combined direct value from two selections.

Chicago moved from No. 11 to No. 9 for Leonard Floyd, sending Tampa Bay a fourth-round pick in the process. Floyd became a four-year Bears starter and produced 18.5 sacks before leaving in 2020. Tampa Bay selected Vernon Hargreaves at No. 11, but injuries and inconsistent play led to his release during the 2019 season. The Bears won the exchange, though Floyd's Chicago tenure was solid rather than franchise-changing.

New England acquired Martellus Bennett and a sixth-round pick from Chicago for a fourth-round selection. Bennett caught 55 passes for 701 yards and seven touchdowns in 2016, then became especially important after Rob Gronkowski was lost for the season and contributed throughout the Patriots' Super Bowl LI run. Chicago used the fourth-rounder on Deiondre' Hall, who made only a limited impact. New England won comfortably.

Carolina acquired veteran pass rusher Jared Allen from Chicago in September 2015 for a conditional 2016 sixth-round pick. Allen's Panthers stint was brief, but he supplied experienced edge depth to a defense that helped Carolina finish 15-1 and reach Super Bowl 50. Chicago was beginning a transition and recovered a late pick. For a contender paying a small price for useful veteran help, the Panthers got the better result.

Chicago traded linebacker Jon Bostic to New England in September 2015 for a 2016 sixth-round pick, No. 204. Chicago later moved that selection again before Miami ultimately used it on Jordan Lucas, so Lucas is downstream history rather than a Bears draft result. Bostic’s Patriots stay was brief, giving Chicago a small value edge for recovering usable draft capital.

The Jets acquired Brandon Marshall and a seventh-round pick from Chicago for a fifth-round selection. Marshall immediately delivered 109 catches, 1,502 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2015, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. Chicago used the fifth-rounder on Adrian Amos, who became a four-year starting safety. Both teams received excellent value from modest assets, with the Bears gaining the longer-lasting return and the Jets getting the higher immediate peak.

Denver sent 2014 picks No. 131 and No. 246 to Chicago for No. 156 and a 2015 fifth-rounder that became No. 143 before later movement. The Broncos selected Lamin Barrow with No. 156, but Chicago's No. 246 became Charles Leno, the trade's clear long-term value. That late-round success leaves Denver well behind in hindsight.

Tampa Bay acquired former first-round offensive lineman Gabe Carimi from Chicago for a 2014 sixth-round pick. Carimi started only two games at left guard for the Buccaneers, spent most of the season as a reserve and was waived the following February. Chicago used pick No. 183 on quarterback David Fales, who also produced little meaningful Bears value. Both teams moved on quickly, leaving the exchange in even-trade territory.

Atlanta moved up ten spots and selected Stansly Maponga at No. 153. Maponga reached 26 NFL games but recorded only one sack, so the move did not create the kind of impact Atlanta needed to justify surrendering two selections. The Falcons received a real contributor, but his limited production leaves their side of the exchange well behind Chicago's combined return.

Chicago received Sherrick McManis; Houston received Tyler Clutts. Chicago acquired Sherrick McManis for Tyler Clutts at the 2012 roster deadline. McManis became a long-tenured Bears special-teams standout and reserve defensive back, while Clutts gave Houston only a brief fullback return. The hindsight grades are B+ for Chicago Bears and C+ for Houston Texans, producing a Chicago Bears Win verdict.

Chicago acquired defensive tackle Brian Price for a future seventh-round pick, hoping a former second-round selection could strengthen the interior line. Price made it through the initial trade process but was waived before the 2012 regular season, so the Bears received no meaningful game value. The low acquisition cost limits the damage, but the player return never materialized.

Chicago sent picks No. 50 and No. 150 to St. Louis to move up five spots for Alshon Jeffery. The Rams selected Isaiah Pead and Rokevious Watkins. Jeffery became a Pro Bowl receiver and produced more than 5,500 receiving yards in five Bears seasons, while Pead and Watkins supplied little sustained value in St. Louis. The gap between a true No. 1 receiver and two misses makes this a decisive Chicago win.

Chicago acquired Brandon Marshall from Miami for third-round picks in 2012 and 2013, reuniting the receiver with Jay Cutler. Marshall immediately became the Bears' primary passing-game weapon and produced three productive seasons, including a 1,508-yard debut campaign in Chicago. Miami converted the picks into additional draft capital but never received a player of comparable impact. The modest acquisition cost and Marshall's elite production give Chicago a decisive win.

Carolina acquired Greg Olsen from Chicago for a 2012 third-round pick and received nine seasons from one of the best players in franchise history. Olsen caught 524 passes for 6,463 yards and 39 touchdowns as a Panther, made three Pro Bowls and became the first tight end with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Chicago later traded the acquired pick, never recovering comparable value.

Chicago moved up to No. 53 and selected Stephen Paea, who became a multi-year Bears defensive tackle and regular starter. That direct player value is the strongest realized result in the trade. The cost was Nos. 62 and 127, but Washington moved both selections again, so later players tied to those pick numbers are not counted as direct Washington returns here.

St. Louis acquired safety Kevin Payne from Chicago in April 2010 for a conditional 2011 draft choice. Payne was placed on injured reserve before the regular season and never appeared in a Rams game; the condition was not met and no pick was conveyed.

Chicago reacquired safety Chris Harris from Carolina for linebacker Jamar Williams in April 2010. Harris immediately started all 16 games for the Bears, intercepted five passes, recorded 70 tackles and earned second-team All-Pro honors while helping Chicago reach the NFC Championship Game. Williams appeared in only three games for Carolina and made two tackles. The outcomes reverse the existing verdict and make Chicago the decisive winner.

Chicago sent its 2010 second-round pick to Tampa Bay for defensive end Gaines Adams in October 2009. Adams played only 10 games for the Bears before his unexpected death in January 2010, an outcome no team could have foreseen. Tampa Bay later packaged the No. 42 pick with No. 153 to move up for Arrelious Benn, so the Buccaneers gained value without turning the deal into a franchise-changing haul.

Seattle moved up from No. 68 to No. 49 in 2009 and landed center Max Unger, who became a long-term starter, a first-team All-Pro and a Super Bowl champion with the Seahawks. Chicago received Jarron Gilbert and Henry Melton; Melton developed into a productive interior defender and a Pro Bowler, giving the Bears real value even though Unger became the best player in the exchange.

Denver sent Jay Cutler and a 2009 fifth-round pick to Chicago for Kyle Orton, two first-round selections and a third-round pick. Orton became Denver's starting quarterback, while the draft haul provided multiple opportunities to reshape the roster. Chicago received the established quarterback it wanted and added Johnny Knox, but Denver controlled the broader package of premium assets.

Chicago Bears received Dan Buenning from Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2008-09-02 trade. Chicago acquired guard Dan Buenning to add interior-line depth; his Bears tenure was short rather than a multi-year starting return. Tampa Bay Buccaneers's return was 2009 sixth round pick (#191-Coye Francies). Tampa Bay received the 2009 sixth-round pick and selected cornerback Coye Francies at No. 191. Those realized outcomes, rather than the labels on the assets alone, drive the hindsight grade.

Tampa Bay moved ahead five spots in the 2008 fourth round and added a sixth-round pick, selecting Dre Moore at No. 115 and Geno Hayes at No. 175. Chicago received picks 120 and 158, using them on Craig Steltz and Kellen Davis. Hayes became the best early contributor in the deal, but Chicago received useful depth from both selections, leaving the exchange relatively balanced.

Tampa Bay reacquired Brian Griese and Chicago’s 2009 seventh while sending Chicago a 2009 sixth. Griese started five Buccaneers games in 2008 and threw for 1,073 yards and five touchdowns. Chicago later sent the sixth back to Tampa Bay for Dan Buenning, who played 10 Bears games without a start. Tampa used the seventh as part of a move from No. 120 to No. 117 for Kyle Moore, who played 15 Buccaneers games with seven starts. The verdict is Tampa Bay Buccaneers Win.

On 2007-08-07, Chicago Bears received undisclosed 2008 draft pick, while New England Patriots received Dante Wesley. The hindsight verdict is Even Trade, with Chicago Bears graded C and New England Patriots graded C. The evaluation credits only the consideration that can be traced confidently and keeps uncertain pick details out of the final judgment.

Carolina acquired Chris Harris for a 2008 fifth-round pick, not an undisclosed 2007 selection. The pick became No. 142 and Chicago used it on Zack Bowman. Harris stepped into a major Panthers role and gave Carolina strong veteran value for a Day 3 cost. Bowman also became a real Bears contributor, so both teams benefited. Harris’ immediate starting impact gives Carolina the narrow edge rather than turning this into a one-sided trade.

Buffalo traded defensive tackle Darwin Walker to Chicago in July 2007 for a 2008 fifth-round pick that became No. 143 overall. The Bills later packaged No. 143 with a third-round pick to acquire Marcus Stroud from Jacksonville.

San Diego traded four selections to Chicago to move from No. 62 to No. 37 in the 2007 draft for safety Eric Weddle. Weddle became a six-time Pro Bowler, earned multiple All-Pro honors and started 122 games for the Chargers. Chicago used the package on Dan Bazuin, Garrett Wolfe, Kevin Payne and Marcus Harrison, but none developed into a comparable long-term starter. The Chargers won emphatically.

Chicago Bears received Adam Archuleta in the exchange with Washington Commanders. Archuleta played 15 games with 10 starts for Chicago in 2007, totaling 61 tackles, two sacks and an interception. The Bears received a meaningful season of defensive snaps from the veteran. The B- grade reflects the direct value Chicago Bears realized from the deal, while the Chicago Bears Win call weighs actual regular-season service and clearly connected draft value rather than name recognition alone.

The Jets acquired running back Thomas Jones and the 63rd pick from Chicago for the 37th pick, effectively moving down 26 spots in Round 2 to add a proven starter. Jones then rushed for more than 1,100 yards in each of his three Jets seasons and led the AFC with 1,312 yards in 2008. New York later used No. 63 as part of the move for David Harris, multiplying the deal's value.

Cleveland acquired offensive lineman Lennie Friedman from Chicago on August 24, 2006 for a conditional 2007 seventh-round draft choice. Friedman played all 32 regular-season games for Cleveland over 2006 and 2007, making two starts.

Buffalo sent the 42nd and 73rd picks to Chicago to move to No. 26 in the 2006 draft for defensive tackle John McCargo. McCargo played only 44 career games, started once and never became the interior force Buffalo envisioned. Chicago used No. 42 on Danieal Manning, who became a versatile defensive back and elite returner, and No. 73 on Dusty Dvoracek, making the Bears' trade-down an emphatic win.

Chicago traded veteran safety Mike Green to Seattle on April 25, 2006 for the 200th pick in that year's draft. The Bears used the sixth-round selection on guard Tyler Reed, who did not appear in an NFL regular-season game. Chicago gained a draft asset for a veteran it was willing to move, but the selected player produced no realized NFL game value.

Miami sent special-teams standout Brendon Ayanbadejo to Chicago for tight end John Owens and a conditional pick that became the 233rd selection in 2006, used on Devin Aromashodu. Owens made little impact and Aromashodu did not become a meaningful Dolphin. Ayanbadejo became an elite Bears special teamer and earned Pro Bowl recognition, giving Chicago a decisive win despite Miami receiving two assets.

Chicago moved Alain Kashama to Seattle near the end of the 2005 preseason for a conditional future choice. Because the trade criteria were not met, the Bears never received a draft selection. Kashama played only one regular-season game for the Seahawks that year, so Chicago lost little future value but also gained no realized compensation from the transaction.

Chicago Bears received Shurron Pierson, while Las Vegas/Oakland Raiders received undisclosed draft choice. Chicago acquired Shurron Pierson, who appeared in six games for the Bears in 2004. Oakland received an undisclosed draft choice, but contemporary reporting does not reliably establish a draft year, round, slot, or downstream player, so the compensation should remain generic rather than be assigned to the already-completed 2004 draft. That outcome supports a C+ grade for Chicago Bears, a C for Las Vegas/Oakland Raiders, and a Chicago Bears Win verdict.

Miami traded Pro Bowl pass rusher Adewale Ogunleye to Chicago for receiver Marty Booker and a 2005 third-round pick that became linebacker Channing Crowder. Ogunleye gave the Bears several productive seasons, while Booker supplied Miami with receiving help and Crowder became a long-term defensive starter. Both teams received legitimate contributors, but the extra value from Crowder gives Miami a narrow hindsight advantage.

On 2004-08-17, Chicago Bears received Quinn Dorsey, while New England Patriots received conditional draft pick (not conveyed). The hindsight verdict is Even Trade, with Chicago Bears graded C and New England Patriots graded C. The evaluation credits only the consideration that can be traced confidently and keeps uncertain pick details out of the final judgment.

Chicago Bears received Leon Joe and Claude Harriott; Joe played 24 games in two Chicago stints with modest defensive/special-teams production, while Harriott was released before the 2004 regular season and never played an NFL regular-season game. The team earns a C-, compared with B+ for San Francisco 49ers, and the hindsight verdict is San Francisco 49ers Win. That judgment reflects the concrete team-specific production, role and tenure created by the assets in this deal.

Chicago Bears received Bryan Johnson in the exchange with Washington Commanders. Johnson appeared in 19 Bears games over 2004 and 2005 and scored two receiving touchdowns in his first Chicago season. He gave the Bears usable fullback depth across parts of two years. The B- grade reflects the direct value Chicago Bears realized from the deal, while the Chicago Bears Win call weighs actual regular-season service and clearly connected draft value rather than name recognition alone.

On 2003-08-25, Chicago Bears received conditional future draft pick (not conveyed), while New England Patriots received Jamil Soriano. The hindsight verdict is Even Trade, with Chicago Bears graded C and New England Patriots graded C. The evaluation credits only the consideration that can be traced confidently and keeps uncertain pick details out of the final judgment.

New England acquired veteran nose tackle Ted Washington from Chicago in August 2003 for a 2004 fourth-round selection. Washington gave the Patriots the interior size they wanted for a championship run and contributed during the season that ended with a Super Bowl XXXVIII victory. Chicago converted an aging defender into future draft capital, but New England received the more immediate high-leverage football contribution.

Chicago Bears received 2003 5th round pick (143rd overall, Justin Gage) in the 2003-04-27 exchange with Jacksonville Jaguars. Justin Gage became a useful NFL receiver and supplied materially more realized value than Jacksonville's three later selections. That gives Chicago Bears the stronger overall return. The transaction still produced a concrete basis for the hindsight grade.

Chicago moved down one slot from No. 13 to No. 14 and also received No. 193. The Bears selected Michael Haynes at No. 14, but he played only 43 NFL games and made four starts; the sixth-round asset was later moved again. The return did not approach the sustained defensive value New England created with Ty Warren.

The Jets sent Chicago picks 13, 22 and 116 in the 2003 draft to move up to No. 4 for defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson. Robertson became a multi-year starter in New York but never reached the dominant level expected from such an expensive move. Chicago used No. 22 on Rex Grossman and No. 116 on Ian Scott, while also moving No. 13 for additional value. The Bears’ broader return wins.

Dallas moved up in the 2002 draft for No. 63 Antonio Bryant and No. 129 Jamar Martin, sending Chicago Nos. 72 Roosevelt Williams, 104 Alex Brown and 140 Bobby Gray. Bryant had a productive NFL career, but Brown became a long-term Bears defensive starter and the best team-specific return in the deal. Chicago owns the edge.

Miami acquired quarterback Cade McNown and a 2002 seventh-round pick from Chicago, while the Bears received a 2002 sixth-rounder and a conditional 2003 pick that ultimately became a sixth-round selection. McNown never appeared in another NFL regular-season game after the trade. Chicago used the 2002 pick on Adrian Peterson, who played 106 career games and rushed for 1,283 yards, giving the Bears a decisive long-term advantage.

Miami acquired tight end Alonzo Mayes from Chicago for a 2001 seventh-round pick. Mayes had already shown some NFL receiving ability and appeared in 37 career games, while the Bears used the 208th pick on sprinter John Capel, who never played an NFL regular-season game. Mayes did not become a major Dolphins piece, but Miami received the only established professional football value in the exchange.

Chicago Bears received R.W. McQuarters; San Francisco 49ers received 2001 sixth-round pick No. 169, Cedrick Wilson. McQuarters played five seasons for Chicago, starting 47 games from 2000-04 and recording nine interceptions. Wilson played four seasons for San Francisco, catching 97 passes for 1,203 yards and six touchdowns from 2002-04, and started 15 games in 2004. The realized returns support Even Trade, with Chicago Bears graded B- and San Francisco 49ers graded B-.

Chicago traded down from pick No. 104 in the 2000 draft, sending the selection to the Rams for Nos. 125, 150 and 225. Los Angeles used No. 104 on tackle Kaulana Noa, while Chicago used No. 125 on defensive back Reggie Austin and retained two additional pieces of draft capital. The Bears created slightly more aggregate value and earn a C+ to C win.

Chicago sent picks Nos. 209 and 225 to Cleveland for three seventh-round choices. The Bears used No. 223 on James Cotton and No. 254 on Michael Green, while later moving No. 232 again. Green became the strongest direct player outcome in the exchange, giving Chicago useful long-term value from an otherwise late-round package.

Miami traded punter Brent Bartholomew to Chicago for the 232nd pick, which the Dolphins used on cornerback Jeff Harris. Harris never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. Bartholomew had only a brief career, but he did play seven games for Chicago in 2000 after the trade. With limited value on both sides, the Bears get a small edge for receiving actual regular-season production.

Chicago got no regular-season games from Frank Murphy, but its No. 209 pick became one half of a two-pick package that produced three later selections. That package helped bring punter Brent Bartholomew for seven games and safety Mike Green, who played 81 Bears games with 45 starts. Because No. 225 was also required, No. 209 gets only proportional credit. San Francisco received 18 reserve games from John Milem. Chicago edges it, C+ to C.

Chicago acquired Eddie Kennison from New Orleans for the 138th pick in the 2000 draft. Kennison started 10 games for the Bears that season and caught 55 passes for 549 yards and two touchdowns. New Orleans later traded the pick to Indianapolis and turned it into two later choices, including Michael Hawthorne. The Saints recovered some value, but Chicago received the strongest immediate production from the original exchange.

Chicago's direct return for No. 174 was No. 184 and No. 207, not No. 221. The Bears used No. 184 on Rashard Cook, then immediately sent No. 207 back to Cleveland for Nos. 221 and 253; none of those Chicago-controlled selections produced a Bears regular-season contributor. Cleveland used No. 174 on Marcus Spriggs, who played 18 games with two sacks.

Chicago moved down from No. 40 to No. 48 in the 1999 second round and received Oakland's third-rounder while swapping fourth-round positions. The Bears used the package on Russell Davis, Marty Booker and Rosevelt Colvin. Booker became a Pro Bowl receiver and Colvin developed into a double-digit-sack edge defender. Oakland received Tony Bryant and Dameane Douglas, making Chicago's added depth and top-end production decisively better.

Washington moved up to No. 7 in the 1999 draft and selected Champ Bailey, while Chicago received No. 12 plus four additional picks. The Bears turned that volume into Cade McNown, D'Wayne Bates, Warrick Holdman, Jerry Wisne and Dustin Lyman. Bailey became a Hall of Fame cornerback, giving Washington overwhelming star value despite Chicago's much larger collection of selections.

Chicago acquired linebacker Lemanski Hall from Tennessee on September 1, 1998 for a 2000 seventh-round pick. Hall appeared in 15 games for the Bears that season without starting. Tennessee eventually used the acquired No. 213 selection on running back Mike Green, who played 32 games for the Titans from 2000 through 2002 and scored three offensive touchdowns.

Chicago acquired return specialist Glyn Milburn from Green Bay in August 1998 for a 1999 seventh-round pick. That future selection became No. 213, where the Packers drafted Donald Driver. Milburn gave the Bears short-term special-teams help, but Driver became Green Bay's longtime receiving leader and a Super Bowl champion, turning a routine late-round exchange into one of the Packers' best value trades.

Chicago Bears received Shawn Lee. Shawn Lee started 14 of 15 games for Chicago in 1998, giving the Bears a meaningful short-term contribution from the veteran defensive lineman. That outcome supports a C+ grade because the return is measured by the direct football value Chicago Bears actually received after the deal, compared with the asset sent the other way.

San Francisco reacquired linebacker Tony Peterson from Chicago for the No. 217 pick in the 1998 draft. Peterson played 28 regular-season games over the next two 49ers seasons, while Chicago used the seventh-round selection on Chad Overhauser, who never appeared in a Bears regular-season game.

Chicago acquired Jimmy Herndon from Jacksonville for a 1998 seventh-round pick. Chicago acquired Jimmy Herndon but received only seven games from him. That brief stint produced limited value and did not become a lasting roster solution. For the Bears, the trade amounted to a short look at a player without the kind of sustained contribution needed to match what Jacksonville later received from the draft choice. In hindsight, that result supports a D+ grade for Chicago Bears in a deal ultimately judged as Jacksonville Jaguars Win.

Chicago acquired wide receiver Chris Penn from Kansas City for the 1998 fifth-round pick that became cornerback Robert Williams. Penn gave the Bears two useful seasons, catching 78 passes for 1,024 yards and six touchdowns across 28 games in 1997 and 1998. Williams played all 16 games for Kansas City as a 1998 rookie but made only one start, leaving Chicago with the stronger realized return.

The Rams moved down two spots in the 1997 second round, sending No. 38 to Chicago for No. 40 and a sixth-round pick. St. Louis selected cornerback Dexter McCleon at No. 40, and he became a long-term starter who played 148 NFL games and won a Super Bowl with the Rams. Chicago selected John Allred, whose career was far more limited.

Seattle sold Rick Mirer after four uneven seasons and received Chicago’s 11th overall pick in the 1997 draft, while sending back Mirer and a fourth-rounder. That was exceptional value for a quarterback whose early promise had faded. The Seahawks later used the first-round asset in further draft maneuvering, while Mirer lasted only one season in Chicago. Moving him before his market disappeared made this a decisive Seattle win.

Chicago traded picks 18, 83 and 201 to St. Louis in 1996 for No. 13 and selected cornerback Walt Harris. Harris became a six-year Bears starter and later a Pro Bowler, giving Chicago meaningful value. The Rams drafted Eddie Kennison, Jerald Moore and Hayward Clay; Kennison had the strongest overall career but much of it came after St. Louis. The broader package gives the Rams a narrow win.

Miami traded second- and third-round picks in the 1995 draft to Chicago for veteran defensive end Trace Armstrong. Armstrong became a durable Dolphins pass rusher and remained productive for multiple seasons. Chicago converted the draft return into additional young assets, but Miami received sustained production at a premium defensive position without surrendering a first-round selection.

Chicago Bears received 1996 6th round pick (201st overall subsequently traded, Hayward Clay) in the 1994-08-28 exchange with Dallas Cowboys. Chicago used the acquired No. 201 choice as one piece of a larger move from No. 18 to No. 13, where the Bears selected Walt Harris. Against Dallas Cowboys' return of Jim Schwantz, that outcome supports a B grade. The transaction is judged Chicago Bears Win, with the mark tied to the football value that actually followed from the deal.

Chicago Bears received Jeff Graham in the 1994-04-29 exchange with Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh sent Jeff Graham to Chicago for the future fifth-round choice used on Lee Flowers. Graham immediately became a major Bears receiving piece, including a 1,301-yard season in 1995, while Flowers developed into a long-tenured Steelers defensive back and starter. The documented result supports a B- grade for Chicago Bears. The overall verdict is Even Trade, based on realized value rather than hypothetical upside.

Pittsburgh traded running back Tim Worley to Chicago on October 19, 1993, for conditional draft compensation. The realized 1994 choice became No. 140, safety Myron Bell, while the later 1995 condition was not exercised. Worley gave Chicago 437 rushing yards in ten 1993 games, but Bell's six Pittsburgh seasons and 80 appearances ultimately created more durable value.

Dallas and Chicago exchanged five players plus a future sixth-round pick on August 17, 1993. The Cowboys received Kelly Blackwell, Markus Paul and John Roper; the Bears received Vinson Smith, Barry Minter and the 1995 pick that became Carl Reeves. Dallas quickly moved on from all three incoming players, while Smith became a regular Chicago linebacker for four seasons. Even Jimmy Johnson later acknowledged Chicago had gotten the better of the swap.

Atlanta acquired tackle Stan Thomas from Chicago on August 17, 1993 for a conditional 1994 draft pick. Thomas was waived by the Falcons roughly a week later and never appeared in a regular-season game for Atlanta; his 1993 NFL action came with Houston. Because the condition tied to the pick was not exercised, Chicago also received no draft selection. Both sides therefore realized essentially no value, making the trade an even C-minus result once the short Atlanta stay is stated concretely.

Green Bay sent the 112th pick in the 1993 draft to Chicago for picks 119 and 156. The Packers selected linebacker James Willis and defensive back Tim Watson, while the Bears used No. 112 on defensive lineman Albert Fontenot. None became a major star, but Fontenot developed into the most useful long-term player connected to the exchange, giving Chicago a modest advantage despite surrendering two selections.

Indianapolis moved from No. 100 to No. 92 in the 1993 fourth round, sending Chicago No. 100 and No. 156. The Colts selected defensive back Derwin Gray, while the Bears chose linebacker Myron Baker at No. 100 and later used No. 156 in another draft trade. Neither side found a star, but Chicago created two usable assets from moving down eight spots and gets the edge.

Cleveland acquired veteran center Jay Hilgenberg from Chicago in August 1992 for a conditional 1993 pick tied to his performance. The condition settled as a fourth-rounder, No. 97, which the Bears used on Todd Perry. Hilgenberg offered Cleveland short-term line help, but Perry became a long-term Chicago starter, so the Bears earn a B+ while the Browns receive a respectable C+.

Chicago acquired veteran tackle Ron Mattes from the Jets for a conditional 1992 eighth-round pick that transferred only if Mattes made the Bears roster. He did, appearing in 15 games during the 1991 season, so New York received pick No. 219 and selected Vincent Brownlee. Mattes delivered useful immediate line depth, while the late selection produced little comparable NFL value, giving Chicago a small but clear win.

Miami sent linebacker Eric Kumerow to Chicago for cornerback Vestee Jackson on January 31, 1991. Jackson became a useful piece of the Dolphins secondary, starting 26 games across three Miami seasons and intercepting three passes in 1992, including a touchdown return. Kumerow never played a regular-season game for Chicago after an Achilles injury, giving Miami the better realized return.

The Raiders acquired Chicago's 1990 seventh-round choice at No. 173 and used it on Garry Lewis. The Bears moved three spots down to No. 176, Bill Anderson, and also received No. 298, Roman Matusz. It was a small late-round maneuver with little lasting separation. Oakland secured its preferred player, while Chicago added an extra selection, leaving the exchange appropriately even.

Chicago traded Jim McMahon to San Diego in August 1989 for a conditional 1990 draft choice tied to his playing time. The condition ultimately produced pick No. 33, which the Bears used on linebacker Ron Cox. Cox developed into a long-term NFL contributor, while McMahon's Chargers stay was brief. That realized pick value gives Chicago a clear B+ to C hindsight win.

Miami moved up to No. 25 in the 1989 draft and selected safety Louis Oliver, sending Chicago picks No. 36 and No. 65. Oliver became a long-term Dolphins starter and ballhawk, while the Bears turned their two selections into linebacker John Roper and center Jerry Fontenot, with Fontenot becoming a durable multi-year starter. Both teams extracted substantial value from the swap.

Chicago sent picks No. 110 and No. 165 to the Raiders in the 1989 draft and received pick No. 95, which the Bears used on Markus Paul. Paul became a multi-season Chicago defensive back and played 71 NFL games. Raiders selections Erik Affholter and Eric Mitchell produced little comparable value for the club, giving Chicago the stronger realized return.

Philadelphia acquired the 81st pick in the 1989 draft from Chicago and selected linebacker Britt Hager, sending the Bears seven picks from rounds five through twelve. Hager played six seasons for the Eagles, appearing in 90 games and starting 13. Chicago's large return produced some useful depth, led by Mark Green, but no single acquired player matched Hager's sustained Philadelphia contribution, giving the Eagles the edge.

Denver acquired veteran fullback Calvin Thomas from Chicago in early October 1988 for an undisclosed conditional 1989 draft choice. Contemporary reporting said the exact pick depended on Thomas' performance. Thomas appeared in only two regular-season games for Denver and had one rush for no gain, while the surviving draft record does not identify a Bears selection produced by the condition.

Chicago traded veteran deep threat Willie Gault to the Raiders for a 1989 first-round pick and 1990 third-rounder. The first became cornerback Donnell Woolford, who started 111 games for the Bears, intercepted 32 passes for Chicago, and earned a Pro Bowl selection. The Bears converted an established receiver into a younger long-term defensive starter and additional draft capital.

Chicago traded quarterback Doug Flutie to New England in October 1987 for a 1988 eighth-round pick that became No. 208 David Tate. Flutie soon started for the Patriots and made nine starts in 1988 alone, throwing for 1,150 yards while adding mobility on the ground. New England obtained meaningful quarterback service for a very low draft cost.

Denver Broncos received Stefan Humphries in the deal with Chicago Bears. Humphries played eight Broncos games and started all eight across 1987 and 1988. Denver received a short but legitimate stretch of starting offensive-line service. That outcome supports a B- for Denver Broncos. The Even Trade verdict weighs documented games, starts, production and connected draft value.

Chicago acquired Doug Flutie's NFL rights and the Rams' 1987 fourth-round pick for its 1987 third- and sixth-round choices. Flutie played only four regular-season games for the Bears in 1986 plus one in 1987 before being traded to New England, while No. 101 Sean Smith had a short Bears career. The Rams leveraged No. 82 into more picks, including linebacker Larry Kelm, and also drafted Jon Embree at No. 166.

Chicago Bears received Maury Buford, while Los Angeles Chargers received 1986 twelfth round pick (#333-Mike Travis). Chicago's official trade history and 1985 transaction reporting establish Maury Buford for San Diego's 1986 twelfth-round choice, later No. 333, used on Mike Travis. That return earns a B+ grade for Chicago Bears, and the overall verdict is Chicago Bears Win.

Chicago Bears received Dave Finzer, while Los Angeles Chargers received 1985 twelfth round pick (#329-Bret Pearson). Chicago and San Diego histories document the August 15, 1984 Dave Finzer trade for a 1985 twelfth-round selection, ultimately Bret Pearson. That return earns a B- grade for Chicago Bears, and the overall verdict is Chicago Bears Win.

Cleveland acquired Chicago's first three selections in the 1984 supplemental draft of USFL and CFL players and turned them into Kevin Mack, Gerald McNeil and Doug West. Mack became a two-time Pro Bowl running back with 5,123 rushing yards for the Browns, and McNeil added return value. Chicago found a strong late-round contributor in Shaun Gayle, but Mack gave Cleveland the superior return.

Chicago received three seasons of useful backup quarterback play from Steve Fuller: 38 games, 11 starts, 1,823 passing yards and a 6-5 record as a fill-in starter, including three straight wins during the 1985 championship season. Los Angeles got no Rams games from Michael Harper and 51 games but only two starts from Mike Young. Fuller's greater direct impact supports Chicago Bears Win, B to C+.

New York Jets received 1985 fifth-round pick No. 134, Tony Smith; Chicago Bears received Tyrone Keys. The Jets used No. 134 on Tony Smith, who never appeared in an NFL regular-season game. Keys played 44 games with 11 starts and 5.5 sacks for Chicago from 1983-85, including the 1985 championship season. The realized outcomes support Chicago Bears Win, with New York Jets graded C and Chicago Bears graded B.

Dallas sent Jay Saldi to Chicago and received the 1984 sixth-round pick at No. 152, which became linebacker Eugene Lockhart. Saldi gave the Bears 28 games and 13 starts over 1983-84, with 21 receptions for 209 yards. Lockhart became a seven-season Dallas mainstay, playing 104 games with 96 starts from 1984 through 1990 and producing 16 sacks and six interceptions in his Cowboys tenure. Chicago got useful short-term depth; Dallas found a long-term defensive starter.

San Francisco returned guard Jeff Williams to Chicago on May 16, 1983 after he failed the 49ers' physical and received Bears ninth- and twelfth-round selections in the 1984 draft as settlement. Those became No. 239 Lee Miller and No. 320. Miller never recorded an NFL regular-season appearance, but San Francisco traded No. 320 to Miami for punter Tom Orosz, who handled all 16 regular-season games for the 49ers in 1983 and two more in 1984.

Chicago Bears received Andy Frederick from Cleveland Browns, while Cleveland Browns received past considerations (compensation for Gerry Sullivan retiring after being traded to Bears) in the 1983-04-27 deal. In hindsight, Chicago Bears produced the stronger realized return, which supports the higher grade on this side. The final grades are B for Chicago Bears and C for Cleveland Browns, producing a verdict of Chicago Bears Win. The rating reflects the documented package, the certainty of the consideration, and the football value that can actually be assigned in hindsight.

San Francisco's April 26, 1983 trade for guard Jeff Williams was unwound after Williams failed the 49ers' physical. Chicago had already received 1983 picks No. 235 and No. 313, used on Mark Zavagnin and Oliver Williams. On May 16 the clubs resolved the failed trade by returning Williams to Chicago and awarding San Francisco 1984 ninth- and twelfth-round choices, later Nos. 239 and 320. The 49ers used No. 320 to acquire punter Tom Orosz, who played 18 games for San Francisco across 1983-84.

Chicago Bears received 1983 fourth round pick (#107-Pat Dunsmore) and 1983 eighth round pick (#219-Mark Bortz). Chicago used the acquired picks on Pat Dunsmore and Mark Bortz. Bortz became a long-term starting guard and Super Bowl champion, creating substantial sustained value from the deal. Compared with Los Angeles Chargers' return, the result supports a A grade and fits the Chicago Bears Win verdict.

Cleveland sent center Gerry Sullivan to Chicago on August 23, 1982, for the 1983 sixth-round pick that became No. 145 and Tim Stracka. Sullivan never appeared in a regular-season game for Chicago, while Stracka gave Cleveland 19 games, one start and two receptions for 27 yards across 1983-84. The Browns realized more on-field value and earn the win, C+ to D.

Cleveland turned linebacker Bruce Huther into the 1983 seventh-round choice used on Rocky Belk. Huther appeared in only four games for Chicago in 1982, while Belk played 10 games for Cleveland in 1983 and caught five passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Neither return became a long-term piece, but the Browns extracted more measurable production from the exchange and deserve the modest hindsight edge.

Chicago Bears received John Lee (b) from New England Patriots, while New England Patriots received undisclosed conditional draft pick (details not identified) in the 1982-05-25 deal. In hindsight, Chicago Bears's return did not separate far enough from New England Patriots to justify a higher grade. The final grades are C for Chicago Bears and C for New England Patriots, producing a verdict of Even Trade. The rating reflects the documented package, the certainty of the consideration, and the football value that can actually be assigned in hindsight.

Chicago acquired veteran linebacker Rod Shoate from New England in April 1982 for a 1983 fifth-round pick. Shoate was released by the Bears before the regular season and never appeared in a game for Chicago. New England used No. 118 on defensive end Smiley Creswell, who never played for the Patriots and appeared in only three NFL games elsewhere.

Tampa Bay traded its 1983 first-round pick to Chicago for the 1982 second-round selection used on defensive end Booker Reese. Reese played only 24 games for the Buccaneers and 35 in his NFL career. Chicago later used Tampa Bay's No. 18 pick on Willie Gault, a productive receiver and member of the 1985 championship team. The Bears won overwhelmingly.

Chicago Bears received 1982 fifth round pick (#134-Dennis Tabron) from Los Angeles Chargers, sending Allan Ellis the other way. Ellis started games for San Diego and Tabron produced no comparable NFL value, favoring the Chargers. That outcome supports a C grade for Chicago Bears, and the overall verdict is Los Angeles Chargers Win.

San Diego traded wide receiver Billy Mullins to Chicago on August 10, 1981 for a conditional 1982 twelfth-round choice that would convey only if Mullins was active during the 1981 season. Chargers official trade history states the condition directly. Mullins never appeared in an NFL regular-season game, so the condition was not met and San Diego received no exercised pick.

St. Louis received $100 from Chicago for Jeff Lee. The amount was tiny even for a minor transaction, but it was the only realized return in the deal because Lee was released by the Bears before the 1981 regular season. The Cardinals therefore received a tangible, if negligible, asset while surrendering no player production that Chicago ultimately realized.

Chicago moved from No. 40 to No. 38 in the 1981 draft and selected Mike Singletary, the future Hall of Fame middle linebacker who made 10 consecutive Pro Bowls and won two Defensive Player of the Year awards. San Francisco still received enormous value at No. 40 with cornerback Eric Wright, a two-time Pro Bowler and four-time Super Bowl champion. The Bears win, but both teams struck gold.

Philadelphia traded Terry Tautolo to Chicago during the 1980 preseason for a 1981 conditional draft choice. Available contemporary reporting establishes the draft-choice consideration, although surviving public sources do not cleanly resolve the exact round or whether every condition was ultimately triggered. The Eagles still moved a player Chicago released before the season, making Philadelphia’s decision the more efficient side of the exchange.

New Orleans acquired veteran defensive end Tommy Hart from Chicago on July 21, 1980 for past consideration. Hart played 15 games with 12 starts for the Saints in his final NFL season and was credited by the club with three sacks.

Chicago acquired wide receiver Golden Richards from Dallas and received immediate starting production. Richards started 14 games in 1978, catching 27 passes for 379 yards, then added 107 yards and a touchdown in five games during 1979. Dallas received two draft choices, but their combined direct contribution did not match Richards's short-term Bears role.

Pittsburgh reacquired running back Alvin Maxson from Chicago on September 5, 1978 for unspecified past considerations. The transaction was a waiver-workaround arrangement: Chicago had signed Maxson days earlier and sent him back to Pittsburgh before he ever traveled to join the Bears.

Chicago acquired tight end Mike Cobb from Cincinnati in 1978. Cobb remained with the Bears through 1981, appearing in 49 games and making 19 starts while contributing as a receiver and blocker. Cincinnati received the 1979 fourth-round selection used on Vaughn Lusby, who played all 16 games as a rookie but remained with the Bengals for only that season.

Chicago sent its 1978 fourth-round pick, No. 104, to Kansas City for a fifth-rounder at No. 127 and a sixth-rounder at No. 139. The Bears' own records show No. 127 was then conveyed to San Francisco to complete an earlier Larry Schreiber deal, while No. 139 became John Skibinski. Kansas City used No. 104 on quarterback Pete Woods, who never became a regular NFL contributor.

Chicago acquired veteran defensive end Tommy Hart from San Francisco on April 20, 1978 for the 47th overall pick. Hart started all 16 games for the Bears that season and produced an estimated 7.5 sacks, then returned for 15 more games in 1979. Chicago received immediate defensive help, but the 49ers used the pick on Walt Downing, who stayed in San Francisco for six seasons and offered the longer return.

Chicago sent Wally Chambers to Tampa Bay in April 1978 and received a future first-round pick plus tight end Bob Moore, who was identified as the player to be named later two days after the initial agreement. The first-rounder became Hall of Fame defensive lineman Dan Hampton, giving the Bears overwhelming long-term value.

Chicago received Billy Newsome; Buffalo received Connie Zelencik. Official team histories place the exchange on September 1, 1977, not August 31. Newsome started all 14 games at defensive end for Chicago that season, while Zelencik supplied Buffalo with a much smaller return. The hindsight grades are C+ for Buffalo Bills and B for Chicago Bears, producing a Chicago Bears Win verdict.

San Francisco acquired quarterback Pat Sullivan's contract rights from Chicago in 1977 for cash consideration of an unidentified amount. Sullivan did not produce regular-season value for the 49ers. Chicago therefore received the only verified realized return, although the unknown cash amount keeps that advantage modest. The supported outcome is a Chicago Bears win, C-plus to C.

Cleveland traded quarterback Mike Phipps to Chicago on May 3, 1977 for a 1977 fourth-round pick and the Bears' 1978 first-round pick. The fourth-rounder became defensive tackle Mickey Sims, who played 43 games with 23 starts for Cleveland. The first-rounder landed at No. 20, which the Browns later sent to the Rams for No. 23 and a fourth-rounder. Cleveland used No. 23 on Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome.

Chicago acquired running back Tommy Reamon from Kansas City on May 2, 1977 for a sixth-round draft pick. Reamon had played 11 games for the Chiefs the previous season, but he did not make the Bears' 1977 regular-season roster; Pro Football Archives records his September release. Chicago therefore spent a late-round selection on a veteran look that produced no regular-season Bears contribution.

Miami completed a long-running Bo Rather compensation chain on draft day in 1977, sending Chicago the fourth-round pick at No. 110 and returning the fifth-round pick at No. 126 for Chicago's third-rounder at No. 71. Miami used No. 71 on Mike Watson, who never appeared in an NFL regular-season game, while Chicago immediately used No. 110 in the Mike Phipps trade.

Chicago received two sixth-round picks, one of which became quarterback Vince Evans and the other Andre Herrera. The picks gave the Bears multiple roster opportunities after moving Gary Huff. Evans in particular became the durable part of Chicago's return, giving the club more lasting asset value than Tampa Bay received from Huff.

Chicago Bears received Larry Schreiber from San Francisco 49ers in the 1976-09-04 trade. Schreiber played all 14 games for Chicago in 1976 as a reserve, totaling 15 rushing yards and 16 receiving yards. San Francisco received the 1978 fifth-round pick used on Archie Reese, who became a multi-year 49ers starter. Those outcomes support San Francisco B, Chicago C, and a 49ers win.

The St. Louis Cardinals, represented here by the franchise's modern Arizona identity, traded running back Eddie Moss to Chicago on May 19, 1976, for a future draft choice. Contemporary reports did not publish the round, and a durable downstream pick outcome is not established. Moss was released by Chicago in July and never played a regular-season game for the Bears.

Chicago acquired defensive end Royce Berry from Cincinnati in May 1976 and sent a future fifth-round choice that eventually became No. 131 Rob Hertel. Berry gave the Bears 12 appearances and two starts that season. Hertel appeared in only three games for Cincinnati in 1978, so Chicago receives a narrow edge on the direct transaction.

Chicago moved up to the No. 8 pick in the 1976 draft and selected tackle Dennis Lick, who became a multi-year starter for the Bears. That made the trade a productive move rather than a miss, but Detroit turned the exchanged selections into cornerback James Hunter and guard Russ Bolinger, producing two long-lasting NFL contributors from its side.

Miami and Chicago exchanged late 1976 draft positions, with Miami receiving the No. 98 selection used on Mel Mitchell plus a 1977 fifth-round choice. Chicago received the No. 108 selection used on Wayne Rhodes and the No. 134 slot tied to Sanders Shiver. The documented direct player outcomes were modest, and the later provenance of Miami's 1977 pick remains disputed.

The Jets acquired Carl Garrett from Chicago for Mike Adamle, the rights to Ron Rydalch, and a 1976 fourth-round pick. Garrett delivered 566 rushing yards, 180 receiving yards, and five rushing touchdowns in his lone Jets season. Adamle gave Chicago 353 rushing yards in 1975 and another season of depth, while the fourth-round asset retained trade value. The split return makes the deal essentially even.

Chicago acquired Ted Vactor from Washington for a 1976 tenth-round selection. Vactor appeared in four regular-season games for the Bears in 1975, providing modest veteran secondary depth. Washington used No. 272 on Paul Strohmeier, but the pick did not become an NFL regular-season contributor. The scale of the trade was tiny, yet Chicago received the only measurable post-trade football value, producing a narrow Bears win rather than a major success.

New York acquired offensive lineman Dave Gallagher from Chicago in September 1975. The Bears received veteran receiver Bob Grim plus a 1977 third-round selection that became Robin Earl. Gallagher gave the Giants an established lineman, while Chicago collected two assets, making the deal competitive even though New York obtained the player it wanted for immediate roster help.

Pittsburgh sent veteran receiver Ron Shanklin to Chicago for a 1976 second-round choice and a 1977 fourth-round choice. The Steelers used those selections on tackle Ray Pinney and running back Laverne Smith. Pinney became the prize, playing 125 games with 82 starts and starting in a Super Bowl victory, giving Pittsburgh a decisive long-term return.

Chicago obtained veteran center John Didion, while New Orleans received the 1976 seventh-round choice that became Ed Bauer. Didion's NFL career had effectively reached its end by the time of the exchange, and Bauer did not produce an NFL career from pick No. 201. The deal was a low-cost depth transaction with little lasting value on either side. Chicago took the immediate veteran option, while New Orleans deferred its return to the bottom of the next draft.

Chicago acquired defensive end John Ricca from the New York Jets for a 1977 eighth-round pick, but Ricca never appeared in a regular-season game for the Bears. Chicago later released him, leaving the club with no realized on-field return from the player. With the Jets' acquired selection also producing no NFL games, the trade finishes as an Even Trade at D-minus.

St. Louis received Greg Wojcik; Chicago received Wes Miller. The swap is well documented, but neither return produced meaningful long-term value for the acquiring club. St. Louis released Wojcik in September, and Miller did not become a notable regular-season contributor for Chicago. The hindsight grades are C- for Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals and C- for Chicago Bears, producing a Even Trade verdict.

San Diego traded wide receiver John Carroll to Chicago on July 28, 1975. Contemporary-style Chargers records describe the compensation as a conditional 1977 seventh-round choice that could become a sixth-rounder if the pick was not owed to Philadelphia in the Mark Nordquist trade, while later Chargers trade-history summaries list the realized return simply as a 1977 seventh-round pick.

Philadelphia turned veteran guard Mark Nordquist into two future draft choices, then converted those picks into running backs Mike Hogan and Wilbert Montgomery. Hogan started immediately and produced three useful seasons in Philadelphia, while Montgomery became a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the defining Eagles runners of his era. That extraordinary downstream return makes this a decisive Philadelphia win.

Oakland sent veteran defensive back Nemiah Wilson to Chicago for two future selections. The first became Jerome Dove, but the defining asset was the 1977 fifth-rounder used on Lester Hayes. Hayes developed into a five-time Pro Bowler, the 1980 AP Defensive Player of the Year and a cornerstone of two Raiders Super Bowl champions. Chicago received only a brief return from Wilson.

Chicago acquired the NFL rights to Greg Latta and Noah Jackson in two same-day deals with Baltimore, while also receiving the Colts’ 1976 seventh-round selection. Latta played five seasons for Chicago and Jackson became a long-term starting guard. Baltimore received four selections that produced Dave Pear, Steve Joachim, Derrel Luce and Sanders Shiver, making this a productive exchange for both clubs but a slight Bears win.

Two linked January 28, 1975 Chicago-San Diego transactions produced an aggregate exchange in which the Chargers landed the pick used on Mike Fuller plus Jim Harrison, while Chicago received Cid Edwards and the pick used on Tom Hicks. Fuller became a six-year Chargers defensive back and elite punt returner; Hicks also had a useful career. San Diego wins because Fuller was the strongest asset, but Chicago received real value.

Chicago's conditional return ultimately became the 1976 sixth-round pick used on Dan Jiggetts after Glen Holloway's NFL career ended with the 1974 season. Jiggetts then spent seven seasons with the Bears, appearing in 98 games as a reserve lineman. Cleveland received one season from Holloway: 14 games and three starts. The concrete outcomes support the existing B-to-C Bears win.

Chicago acquired wide receiver Bo Rather from Miami on September 10, 1974 for the Bears' 1977 third-round pick, later No. 71. Rather immediately contributed 29 catches, 400 yards and three touchdowns for Chicago in 1974 and remained a starter in 1975. Miami eventually used the pick on Mike Watson, who did not play a regular-season game for the Dolphins.

New England acquired defensive end Tony McGee from Chicago just before the 1974 season for an eighth-round choice in 1975 and a third-round choice in 1976. McGee became a long-term Patriots contributor and was later named to the franchise's All-1970s Team. Chicago used the acquired choices on Joe Harris and Brian Baschnagel; Baschnagel alone played 129 games for the Bears, starting 73 and producing 2,024 receiving yards. The realized value on both sides makes an even verdict the fairest result.

Chicago sent center Wayne Mulligan to the Jets for the 1975 seventh-round pick that became No. 168, but the Bears did not select Derrel Luce with it. Chicago’s official ledger says the pick was later traded to Baltimore, which used No. 168 on Luce. Mulligan became the Jets’ starting center, appearing in 27 games with 26 starts across 1974-75. The documented pick movement and Mulligan's starting value support a clear New York win.

St. Louis acquired receiver Earl Thomas. Chicago received Wayne Mulligan, Cliff McClain and the 1975 seventh-round pick used on Earl Douthitt. Thomas supplied the Cardinals two seasons of receiving depth, while the Bears received multiple assets for one player. Thomas gave St. Louis some immediate use, preventing this from being a poor deal. Chicago's three-piece return, including a future draft choice, created the better overall value profile even though none became a star.

Philadelphia Eagles received Charlie Ford; Chicago Bears received Richard Harris. Ford played six games for Philadelphia in 1974 without a start before leaving the Eagles. Harris played 26 games with 11 starts for Chicago across 1974-75 and recorded three sacks. The realized outcomes support Chicago Bears Win, with Philadelphia Eagles graded C and Chicago Bears graded B-.

New England received cash; Chicago received James Callier. Historical team records confirm New England sold James Callier to Chicago on August 14, 1974. Callier did not establish regular-season value for the Bears, leaving the Patriots with certain cash consideration and Chicago without a durable football return. The hindsight grades are D+ for Chicago Bears and C+ for New England Patriots, producing a New England Patriots Win verdict.

On 1974-08-14, Chicago Bears received John Isenbarger and Dick Witcher, while San Francisco 49ers received Cecil Turner. The hindsight verdict is Even Trade, with Chicago Bears graded D and San Francisco 49ers graded D. The evaluation follows the documented consideration and traceable football value, while leaving unresolved downstream pick identities out of the judgment.

Chicago Bears received Randy Montgomery from Denver Broncos. Randy Montgomery played all 14 Bears games in 1974, made two starts, and intercepted two passes, providing useful immediate secondary depth. That realized return supports a B- grade for Chicago Bears. The final verdict is Chicago Bears Win, based on the regular-season service and draft value each club actually received after the exchange.

On 1974-08-10, Chicago Bears received Henry Youssef-Ahmadabadi / Henry Abadi, while Dallas Cowboys received draft pick (selection not identified). The hindsight verdict is Chicago Bears Win, with Chicago Bears graded B and Dallas Cowboys graded C. The evaluation follows the documented consideration and the football value that can be traced from it, while keeping unverified downstream pick identities or conditional outcomes out of the final judgment.

Miami traded receiver Charlie Wade to Chicago in August 1974 for a 1975 tenth-round pick that became running back Clyde Russell. Russell was drafted by Miami but did not play a regular-season NFL game. Wade immediately became a Bears starter, catching 39 passes for 683 yards and a touchdown in 1974, making Chicago the clear beneficiary of the exchange.

The Bears' Bruce Craft purchase was inexpensive enough that the miss did little damage, but it was still a miss. Chicago surrendered $100 and did not receive meaningful regular-season production in return. Dallas' gain was equally small, yet it was tangible, so the Cowboys get the better grade without treating the transaction as more important than it was.

Chicago Bears received Tom Forrest, while Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers received $100 cash. Forrest played eight regular-season games for Chicago after the Bears paid only $100 for the rookie. The hindsight grades are B for Chicago Bears and C for Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers, producing a Chicago Bears Win verdict.

Chicago sent guard Greg Horton to the Rams in April 1974 for 1975 third- and tenth-round draft choices. The third-round selection, No. 73, was later moved separately to San Diego for Cid Edwards; the sixth-round pick associated with Jim Harrison came from a different Bears-Chargers trade. Horton eventually became a useful Rams reserve, but Chicago's two-pick return gives the Bears a narrow C+ to C win.

Washington acquired Willie Holman plus Chicago's 1975 fifth-round pick while sending the Bears a 1974 third-rounder. That fifth-round choice became running back Mike Thomas, the 1975 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and a 1976 Pro Bowler who rushed for more than 4,000 career yards. Chicago's pick became Cliff Taylor, whose NFL impact was minimal, making Washington the decisive winner.

Chicago Bears received Mel Tom from Philadelphia Eagles in the 1973-10-16 trade. Philadelphia received the 1974 fifth-round pick used on Jim Cagle at No. 108. Philadelphia Eagles's return was 1974 fifth round pick (#108-Jim Cagle). Chicago acquired Mel Tom, a veteran defensive end, giving the Bears the immediate player side of the exchange but not a long-term core piece. Those realized outcomes, rather than the labels on the assets alone, drive the hindsight grade.

Chicago traded defensive back Jerry Moore to New Orleans in 1973 for the 1975 fifth-round pick that became guard Revie Sorey. Sorey developed into a major long-term return, playing 109 games with 77 starts for the Bears and becoming a fixture on the offensive line during Walter Payton's prime. Moore played 19 games over two Saints seasons, making Chicago the decisive winner.

New England received Chicago's 1974 second-round pick, used on Steve Corbett, plus the fourth-round pick at No. 82, which the Patriots later moved to Pittsburgh for Ralph Anderson. Chicago acquired Tom Reynolds, Ken Lee, and the pick used on Ken Grandberry. Grandberry's productive 1974 season gives the Bears a slight edge, but New England also extracted legitimate value.

Miami sent Dave McCurry to Chicago for a 1974 ninth-round selection and used the pick on offensive tackle Tom Wickert. Wickert appeared in 13 games with three starts for the Dolphins as a rookie, giving Miami tangible line depth from a very late choice. McCurry did not make a Bears regular-season contribution after the trade, creating a clear difference in direct team-specific production.

On 1973-08-08, Chicago Bears received Randy Mattingly, while Cleveland Browns received 1974 tenth round pick (#238-Mike Puestow). The hindsight verdict is Even Trade, with Chicago Bears graded D and Cleveland Browns graded D. The evaluation follows the documented consideration and traceable football value, while leaving unresolved downstream pick identities out of the judgment.

Denver sent wide receiver and return specialist Ike Hill to Chicago on August 2, 1973 for $1. The Bears received two seasons of useful special-teams and depth value from a player acquired for nominal cash.

Chicago acquired wide receiver John Wiegmann from San Francisco on July 19, 1973 for $1. Bears trade histories preserve the nominal purchase price, but Wiegmann does not appear on Chicago's 1973 regular-season roster, so the club received no documented regular-season playing value from the move.

The Chargers acquired defensive back and return specialist Ron Smith from Chicago for the 1974 third-round pick used on Wayne Wheeler. Smith immediately led the NFL in punt-return average, scored two punt-return touchdowns, and started nine games for San Diego in 1973. The Chargers then traded him for two more picks in 1974, creating a decisive value advantage.

Chicago acquired running back Carl Garrett from New England for the 1973 first-round pick used on Darryl Stingley. Garrett gave the Bears two productive seasons, including 655 rushing yards in 1973, while Stingley produced 1,883 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns across five Patriots seasons. Both sides received real value, with New England earning the narrow edge.

Detroit moved up from the No. 19 pick to No. 17 and also gained the No. 58 choice, sending tight end Craig Cotton to Chicago in the exchange. The Bears did not actually draft Darryl Stingley with No. 19; they moved that pick to New England for running back Carl Garrett, and the Patriots selected Stingley. Garrett's productive 1973 season gives Chicago the stronger realized return.

Kansas City acquired the rights to defensive lineman George Seals from Chicago on September 7, 1972 and sent the Bears a 1973 first-round pick, No. 17. Chicago later used that premium asset in another trade, preserving substantial flexibility from a player-rights transaction. The Chiefs did not receive enough long-term value from Seals to offset a first-round price, giving the Bears a clear win.

Chicago acquired veteran quarterback Zeke Bratkowski from Green Bay on September 1, 1972 for a 1974 sixth-round selection later used on Don Woods. Bratkowski did not provide meaningful regular-season value for the Bears. Woods likewise failed to become a Packers regular-season contributor, leaving both clubs with very little realized football production from the exchange.

Dallas acquired the rights to quarterback Jack Concannon from Chicago on August 17, 1972 and sent Bill Line, Bob Asher and a 1973 second-round pick to the Bears. Concannon never appeared in a Cowboys regular-season game. Asher immediately became a multi-year Chicago starter, Line started on the 1972 defensive front, and pick No. 48 produced Gary Hrivnak. Chicago won the exchange decisively.

St. Louis acquired Steve Wright and John Hoffman from Chicago for a 1973 fourth-round choice that became pick No. 84. Wright appeared in five games with four starts for the Cardinals, while Hoffman played only two games with one start. Chicago used the draft value in the Steve DeLong transaction, and DeLong started all 14 Bears games in 1972.

Chicago Bears received Rich Buzin / Dick Buzin from Los Angeles Rams in the 1972-08-08 trade. Chicago acquired Rich Buzin, who appeared in two games for the Bears in 1972 without a start. Los Angeles Rams's return was 1973 seventh round pick (#161-Steve Brown (b)). Los Angeles received the 1973 seventh-round pick at No. 161. Those realized outcomes, rather than the labels on the assets alone, drive the hindsight grade.

Chicago acquired veteran defensive lineman Steve DeLong, but his Bears tenure came at the end of his NFL career and produced limited lasting value. The C grade reflects a legitimate veteran acquisition without a substantial long-term payoff. San Diego's eventual use of the fourth-round selection on Jim Thaxton produced the stronger realized return and supports the Chargers Win verdict.

On 1972-07-18, Chicago Bears received Eric Hutchinson, while Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans received 1973 undisclosed draft pick (selection not identified). The hindsight verdict is Chicago Bears Win, with Chicago Bears graded B and Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans graded C. The evaluation follows the documented consideration and the football value that can be traced from it, while keeping unverified downstream pick identities or conditional outcomes out of the final judgment.

Chicago's own trade history places the Jim Kirby-for-Buddy Lee swap on July 7, 1972. Kirby went from Los Angeles to Chicago, while Lee went from Chicago to the Rams. Neither player produced an NFL regular-season appearance for the receiving club, leaving the transaction as an even trade at D-minus for both sides.

Chicago Bears received 1972 seventh round pick (#182-Jim Osborne) in the exchange with Dallas Cowboys. The seventh-round choice became No. 182 Jim Osborne, who developed into a long-tenured Bears defensive lineman with substantially more starts and games than Caffey produced for Dallas. Against Dallas Cowboys' return of Lee Roy Caffey, that result supports a A- grade. The transaction is judged as Chicago Bears Win, with the mark based on the football value that actually followed from the deal.

New York acquired guard-center Bob Hyland and veteran cornerback Bennie McRae from Chicago for its 1972 first-round pick, which became No. 3 overall and Lionel Antoine. Hyland gave the Giants several years of line service, while McRae's New York stint was brief. Chicago secured elite draft position, and even Antoine's modest career does not erase the premium value New York surrendered.

Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles completed this trade on 1971-09-13. Pinder gave Chicago two seasons of usable rushing production, so the Bears did not come away empty. Philadelphia nevertheless converted one veteran back into two meaningful draft assets, including a second-round selection. The post-trade results provide the clearest measure of what each club gained from the exchange. The historical return supports a Philadelphia Eagles Win verdict, with Chicago Bears graded C+ and Philadelphia Eagles graded B.

Chicago Bears received Bill Tucker from San Francisco 49ers in the 1971-09-13 trade. Chicago acquired Bill Tucker. San Francisco 49ers's return was 1973 fifth round pick (#112-Mike Fulk). San Francisco received the 1973 fifth-round pick and selected linebacker Mike Fulk at No. 112. Those realized outcomes, rather than the labels on the assets alone, drive the hindsight grade.

Chicago sent running back Mike Hull to Washington for tackle Steve Wright and running back Danny Pierce on August 31, 1971. Wright immediately started all 14 games at right tackle for the Bears; Pierce did not play for Chicago. Hull spent four seasons with Washington but never started and had only four rushing attempts. Chicago received the more meaningful post-trade role.

On 1971-08-01, Chicago Bears received draft pick (selection not identified), while Kansas City Chiefs received Karl Weis. The hindsight verdict is Kansas City Chiefs Win, with Chicago Bears graded C and Kansas City Chiefs graded B. The evaluation follows the documented consideration and the football value that can be traced from it, while keeping unverified downstream pick identities or conditional outcomes out of the final judgment.

Chicago received an undisclosed draft choice for quarterback Bob Cutburth on July 27, 1971. Cutburth had been a 1970 sixth-round Bears pick and had not appeared in an NFL regular-season game for Chicago; contemporary reporting confirms Oakland acquired him for an undisclosed choice. The Raiders did not receive demonstrated regular-season production from Cutburth, so the unidentified pick should not be treated as a known downstream player.

Chicago Bears received Philadelphia's 1973 fifth-round pick, No. 107, in the 1971-07-21 trade and used it on Allan Ellis. Philadelphia received the rights to Ronnie Bull, who played one season for the Eagles. Ellis became a long-term Chicago starter and Pro Bowler. Those realized outcomes support the authorized Chicago B, Philadelphia C grades and a Chicago Bears Win verdict.

Chicago moved veteran defensive lineman Dick Evey and a future fourth-round choice to Los Angeles and received Jim Seymour and Ron Smith. Evey's Rams stay lasted only one season, while the Bears gained two younger players and multiple chances to create roster value. Los Angeles later used the fourth-round selection on John Saunders, giving the Rams a useful additional asset despite Evey's short tenure.

On 1970-05-04, Chicago Bears received John Neidert, while New York Jets received draft pick (selection not identified). The hindsight verdict is New York Jets Win, with Chicago Bears graded D+ and New York Jets graded C. The evaluation follows the documented consideration and traceable football value, while leaving unresolved downstream pick identities out of the judgment.

New Orleans traded tight end Jim Hester to Chicago for defensive end Loyd Phillips in March 1970. Phillips never appeared in a Saints regular-season game and medically retired after the trade because of a chronic vascular condition.

Dallas sent Craig Baynham and Phil Clark to Chicago during the 1970 draft for the Bears’ second-round pick, No. 27, used on tackle Bob Asher. Clark started at strong safety for Chicago in 1970, while Baynham added depth. Asher played only six games for Dallas, missed 1971 after knee surgery and was traded to Chicago in 1972. The realized value therefore favors the Bears, not Dallas.

Cincinnati acquired tackle Rufus Mayes from Chicago on January 21, 1970 for defensive linemen Bill Staley and Harry Gunner. Mayes became a long-term Bengals starter, playing 110 games with 98 starts over nine seasons. Chicago still received useful value: Staley started and produced as a pass rusher, while Gunner appeared in all 14 games in 1970. The Bears’ return was legitimate, but Mayes’ durability gives Cincinnati the clear long-term edge.

Chicago Bears received Howard Mudd, who played 18 games with 11 starts across 1969-70 before his playing career ended. The team earns a C, compared with B+ for San Francisco 49ers, and the hindsight verdict is San Francisco 49ers Win. That judgment reflects the concrete team-specific production, role and tenure created by the assets in this deal.

Cleveland sent receiver Eppie Barney to Chicago in September 1969 for the Bears’ 1971 sixth-round choice. The Browns used pick No. 142 on tackle Doug Dieken, who became a 14-season Cleveland fixture and started a remarkable run of 194 consecutive games at left tackle. Barney’s NFL career ended after limited production. Turning a marginal veteran into one of the franchise’s longest-serving linemen makes Cleveland the decisive winner.

Chicago acquired defensive back George Youngblood from New Orleans for a 1970 fifth-round selection. Youngblood started all 14 games for the Bears in 1969, intercepted three passes, and returned one for a touchdown, so Chicago received immediate defensive production. New Orleans used the acquired No. 106 pick on Glenn Cannon, but that selection did not create comparable long-term value. The short duration of Youngblood’s career keeps the deal roughly even.

Chicago Bears received the 1971 seventh-round pick, No. 176, from Los Angeles in the 1969-08-12 trade and used it on Dennis Ferris. Los Angeles acquired Dave McDaniels as the player return; his Rams tenure was limited and did not develop into a long-term role. Ferris did not establish a meaningful NFL regular-season career. Those outcomes support Los Angeles B, Chicago C+, and the existing Rams-win verdict.

Philadelphia sent Dave McDaniels to Chicago on July 31, 1969 for the Bears' 1970 seventh-round pick, No. 158, which Philadelphia used on Terry Brennan. McDaniels stayed with Chicago only briefly before the Bears moved him to the Rams in August. Brennan did not produce an NFL regular-season career, so neither side realized substantial direct value from the original exchange.

St. Louis acquired defensive back Curtis Gentry from Chicago for Bobby Lee and the 1970 sixth-round pick used on Jeff Curchin. Bears historical material shows Gentry’s NFL playing career had already ended after the 1968 season, so the Cardinals received no regular-season production from him. Chicago at least turned the pick into Curchin, who played 26 games and made four starts for the Bears across 1970 and 1971.

Chicago sent running back Andy Livingston to New Orleans in July 1969 and received the future second-round pick that became No. 28 in 1971. The Bears selected Jim Harrison, who played 38 games and made 29 starts for Chicago from 1971 through 1974. Harrison rushed for 1,099 yards as a Bear. His multi-season contribution gives Chicago a narrow edge over Livingston's strong but much shorter Saints run.

Chicago's official trade history dates the transaction to July 12, 1969: the Bears sent punter Jon Kilgore to Los Angeles for $1. Kilgore did not return to the Rams in regular-season play; his 1969 NFL work came with San Francisco. With Chicago receiving only token cash and Los Angeles receiving no on-field production, both sides grade D-minus.

Atlanta Falcons received Jim Purnell and Rudy Redmond. Atlanta received Jim Purnell and rookie Rudy Redmond. Redmond became a multi-year starter, while Purnell was later moved in a way that created additional asset value. Its A- grade reflects the value of that return relative to what Chicago Bears received.

Chicago sent veteran safety Richie Petitbon to Los Angeles for cornerback Lee Calland, a 1970 fourth-round pick used on Ross Brupbacher, and a 1971 third-round pick used on Bob Newton. Petitbon remained a capable starter for two Rams seasons, but Chicago recovered a player plus two meaningful selections for a 31-year-old defender. That return gives the Bears the stronger overall value.

Atlanta Falcons received Duane Allen in the exchange with Chicago Bears. The return is graded C after weighing the transaction cost and the practical value visible in hindsight. The grade remains tied to documented value for the acquiring club, without assigning credit for unresolved or hypothetical downstream consideration.

Chicago acquired tight end Austin Denney and kicker Mac Percival from Dallas for the 1968 No. 71 pick. Denney played 35 games with 32 starts for the Bears, while Percival spent seven seasons in Chicago and made 99 field goals, including 25 in a 100-point 1968 season. Dallas used the pick on Ed Harmon, whose NFL career lasted only 11 games, producing a decisive Bears win.

Pittsburgh and Chicago swapped Charlie Bivins and Dan James on August 28, 1967. Neither veteran created meaningful long-term value for his new club. Bivins appeared in only two games for Pittsburgh before finishing the season with Buffalo, while James played two games for Chicago and then retired. With the package confirmed but both returns extremely short-lived, an even C/C result fits the outcome.

Chicago Bears received Don Croftcheck from New Orleans Saints for Doug Atkins and Herman Lee. Croftcheck played only nine games with two starts for Chicago. Across the complete player and draft outcomes, the exchange supports the New Orleans Saints Win verdict while still crediting the other club for the useful value it realized.

Chicago Bears received Jack Concannon, 1968 fourth round pick (#106-Alan Bush) from Philadelphia Eagles in the 1967-04-26 trade. Chicago received Jack Concannon plus the 1968 fourth-round pick. Philadelphia Eagles's return was Mike Ditka. Philadelphia acquired Mike Ditka. Those realized outcomes, rather than the labels on the assets alone, drive the hindsight grade.

Expansion Atlanta acquired veteran linebacker Larry Morris from Chicago for two draft choices. The draft trail ties those assets to a 1967 sixth-rounder used on Virgil Carter and a 1968 third-rounder used on Major Hazelton. Chicago earns the stronger grade because two future picks outlasted one season of Morris. Atlanta obtained credible veteran leadership, but paying both a sixth and a third for a player near retirement shifted the value toward the Bears.

Atlanta acquired veteran linebacker Larry Morris from Chicago on September 8, 1966 for a 1967 sixth-round pick and a 1968 third-round pick. Morris played 12 games for the expansion Falcons in his final NFL season but did not start a game.

Chicago Bears received John Paluck in the exchange with Washington. The return is graded C after weighing the transaction cost and the practical value visible in hindsight. The grade remains tied to documented value for the acquiring club, without assigning credit for unresolved or hypothetical downstream consideration.

Los Angeles Rams received veteran defensive lineman Earl Leggett from Chicago Bears for 1967 fourth round pick (#95-Tom Greenlee) and 1967 eighth round pick (#200-Jerry Griffin). Leggett played 10 games for Los Angeles in 1966 and supplied four Approximate Value. Neither Greenlee nor Griffin appeared in an NFL regular-season game. The Rams received the only realized NFL contribution, supporting a Los Angeles Rams Win.

Chicago Bears received Johnny Sample, while Washington Commanders received 1967 tenth round pick (#247-Tim Houlton). Washington sent Johnny Sample to Chicago for its 1967 tenth-round choice, later No. 247 Tim Houlton. Historical sources differ by one day on the transaction date, but neither Sample in Chicago nor Houlton from the pick created meaningful regular-season value. Chicago Bears earns a D grade, and the overall verdict is Even Trade.

Chicago Bears received George Seals in the exchange with Washington. George Seals became a long-term Chicago lineman, staying seven seasons, appearing in 98 games and earning second-team All-Pro recognition in 1968. That durability and peak performance gave the Bears clear realized value from a modest veteran exchange. In hindsight, that direct outcome supports a B+ grade for Chicago Bears. The judgment focuses on what this transaction itself produced rather than unrelated later moves.

Chicago received Riley Mattson and Fred Hageman in the four-player swap. Neither acquisition produced a comparable post-trade return to what Bob Jencks supplied Washington, leaving the Bears with the weaker realized side of an otherwise straightforward veteran exchange. That outcome supports a D+ grade for Chicago Bears within the final Washington Redskins Win verdict.

Minnesota acquired Chicago's 1966 fifth-round choice for guard Palmer Pyle and used No. 76 on defensive back Bob Hall. The Vikings' official draft history confirms the pick came from Chicago for Pyle. Hall never appeared in an NFL regular-season game, while Pyle's documented pro career after Minnesota continued with Oakland rather than Chicago. With neither acquired asset producing regular-season value for its new club, the exchange grades even.

Chicago Bears received 1966 sixth round pick (#85-Dennis Brewster), while Washington Commanders received Steve Barnett. Washington received tackle Steve Barnett and Chicago received the 1966 sixth-round pick used on Dennis Brewster. Barnett gave Washington immediate line help in 1964, while the later draft selection did not generate a stronger documented professional return for Chicago. That outcome supports a C+ grade for Chicago Bears, a B- for Washington Commanders, and a Washington Commanders Win verdict.

Chicago sent Chuck Logan to Pittsburgh and received the 1966 fourth-round pick that became No. 51 Randy Jackson. Jackson developed into an eight-year Bears offensive lineman, appearing in 105 games and starting 94. Logan gave Pittsburgh one season, one catch, and seven receiving yards. Turning a lightly productive player into a long-term starter makes this one of the clearest wins in the batch.

The Rams traded veteran halfback Jon Arnett to Chicago for Roger Davis, Frank Budka, Joe Wendryhoski and a 1965 fifth-round pick used on Frank Marchlewski. Arnett gave the Bears three seasons but never regained his earlier Pro Bowl form. Los Angeles received several usable pieces and greater aggregate roster value, making the Rams the winner without turning the deal into a landslide.

On July 1, 1964, the Chicago Bears sent defensive back Tommy Neck to the Washington Redskins for exactly $1. Neck had appeared in one NFL game for Chicago in 1962 and did not record another NFL appearance after the deal. Washington bought a virtually cost-free look, while Chicago received only nominal consideration, leaving little hindsight separation between the clubs.

Cleveland traded receiver Rich Kreitling to Chicago in June 1964 for defensive back Lowell Caylor plus the Bears' 1965 second- and third-round picks, No. 17 Jim Garcia and No. 32 Bo Scott. Kreitling played only one final NFL season, while Scott became a productive multi-year Browns contributor. Cleveland turned an expendable veteran into three assets and earns an A to Chicago's C.

Dallas acquired defensive end Maury Youmans from Chicago in the 1964 offseason for wide receiver Gary Barnes. Youmans played all 28 Cowboys games across 1964-65, started 15 and recorded 6.5 sacks before his NFL career ended.

Washington acquired receiver Angelo Coia and defensive tackle Fred Williams from Chicago for its 1965 first-round pick, which became No. 6 overall Steve DeLong. Coia immediately started 13 games and posted 500 receiving yards with five touchdowns in 1964, while Williams joined the defensive rotation. DeLong signed with the rival AFL Chargers and did not play for Chicago until 1972. Washington therefore realized the stronger immediate and team-specific return.

Chicago sent Pittsburgh 1964 second- and fourth-round selections for the Steelers' 1965 first-round pick. Pittsburgh used its two choices on Jim Kelly and Ben McGee, with McGee becoming a two-time Pro Bowler and nine-season Steeler. Chicago's acquired first-rounder landed third overall and became Dick Butkus, whose Hall of Fame career gave the Bears the exchange's defining player.

Chicago Bears received 1964 sixth round pick (#84-Jimmy Jones) in the exchange with Pittsburgh Steelers. The sixth-round choice became No. 84 Jimmy Jones, who developed into a multi-year NFL contributor with substantially more Chicago starts and games than Anderson produced in Pittsburgh. Against Pittsburgh Steelers' return of Art Anderson (a), that result supports a B+ grade. The transaction is judged as Chicago Bears Win, with the mark based on the football value that actually followed from the deal.

Chicago Bears received Tom Bettis. The locked Wave 209 research supports the B+ grade after comparing the direct production and draft value attributable to this transaction. The evaluation excludes unrelated later moves and unsupported assumptions. Against Pittsburgh Steelers, that documented return supports the final verdict of Chicago Bears Win.

Chicago sent veteran end John Adams to the Los Angeles Rams on May 1, 1963 for the 1964 second-round selection that became No. 21 Bill Martin. Adams started 10 of 13 games for Los Angeles in 1963 and caught nine passes for 93 yards before his NFL career ended. Martin played 28 games for Chicago across 1964 and 1965 and totaled 92 receiving yards, producing similarly modest short-term returns.

Minnesota acquired Bill Brown from Chicago for a 1964 fourth-round pick that became linebacker Mike Reilly. Brown developed into one of the foundational players of the early Vikings, spending 13 seasons in Minnesota, making four Pro Bowls, rushing for 5,757 yards, and entering the team's Ring of Honor. Reilly had a respectable six-year NFL career, but his value never approached Brown's franchise impact.

Chicago acquired veteran fullback Joe Marconi from the Rams for the 10th pick in the 1963 draft. Marconi immediately helped the Bears win the 1963 NFL championship, producing 781 yards from scrimmage, four touchdowns, and a Pro Bowl season. Los Angeles used the first-rounder on Rufus Guthrie, who never played an NFL regular-season game, creating a decisive realized-value advantage for Chicago.

Chicago Bears received 1963 sixth round pick (#80-John Johnson (Howard)) in the exchange with Pittsburgh Steelers. Chicago used the acquired sixth-rounder on John Johnson, who became a six-season Bears defensive lineman and supplied far more sustained value. Against Pittsburgh Steelers' return of Ken Kirk, that outcome supports a B+ grade. The transaction is judged as Chicago Bears Win, with the mark based on the football value that actually followed from the deal.

Chicago Bears received 1963 fourth round pick (#49-Stan Sanders) from San Francisco 49ers in the 1962-08-30 trade. San Francisco acquired John Mellekas, who appeared in 11 games and started two for the 1962 49ers. San Francisco 49ers's return was John Mellekas. Chicago received the fourth-round pick used on Stan Sanders at No. 49. Those realized outcomes, rather than the labels on the assets alone, drive the hindsight grade.

Pittsburgh acquired former star receiver Harlon Hill from Chicago for fourth-round picks in 1963 and 1964. Hill's peak had already passed; he caught only seven passes for 101 yards in seven games for the Steelers before finishing the 1962 season in Detroit. Chicago received two future selections, and the 1964 pick later became part of another Bears-Steelers deal tied to the 1965 first-round selection used on Dick Butkus. The direct trade strongly favored Chicago.

Chicago Bears received Preston Powell from San Francisco 49ers in the 1962-07-01 trade. Chicago acquired Preston Powell, but NFL records show his only regular-season season was with Cleveland in 1961; he did not create a Bears regular-season return. San Francisco 49ers's return was 1963 fifth round pick (#66-Gary Moeller). San Francisco received the fifth-round pick used on Gary Moeller at No. 66. Those realized outcomes, rather than the labels on the assets alone, drive the hindsight grade.

Dallas purchased rookie tackle Clyde Brock from the Chicago Bears for $3,500 on July 1, 1962. Brock appeared in all 14 Cowboys games that season and four more in 1963 before leaving Dallas.

Chicago and Pittsburgh completed two linked April 4, 1962 transactions involving the same 1963 first-round selection. Pittsburgh first returned that No. 11 choice to Chicago for Rudy Bukich and a tenth-rounder, then reacquired it along with a 1964 second-round pick for quarterback Ed Brown. Both quarterbacks later started for their new clubs, but Chicago’s added second-round asset gives the Bears a narrow win.

Chicago Bears received Bobby Joe Green in the exchange with Pittsburgh Steelers. Bobby Joe Green spent twelve seasons with the Bears and served as their primary punter through a long tenure that included Chicago's 1963 championship season. Against Pittsburgh Steelers' return of 1963 tenth round pick (#137-Ed Hoerster), that result supports a A grade. The transaction is judged as Chicago Bears Win, with the mark based on the football value that actually followed from the deal.

Chicago Bears received Bobby Jackson from Philadelphia Eagles in the 1961-09-01 trade. Philadelphia received the 1962 sixth-round pick and selected Gus Gonzales at No. 77. Philadelphia Eagles's return was 1962 sixth round pick (#77-Gus Gonzales). Chicago acquired Bobby Jackson, but the player return did not develop into a long-term Bears contributor. Those realized outcomes, rather than the labels on the assets alone, drive the hindsight grade.

Pittsburgh acquired receiver Bob “Bobby” Coronado from Chicago on August 18, 1961, for the Bears’ eventual 1962 second-round choice, No. 20 overall. Coronado gave the Steelers five games, two starts, three catches and 32 receiving yards. Chicago used the pick on tackle Clyde Brock, but waived him before the 1962 season; he never played a regular-season game for the Bears. Pittsburgh wins a low-impact deal.

New York acquired kicker-end John Aveni from Chicago on June 30, 1961, sending defensive back Dave Whitsell and its 1962 eighth-round pick, No. 110, to the Bears. The Giants moved Aveni again within a week as part of a three-team deal. Chicago received the durable centerpiece: Whitsell played all 84 Bears regular-season games from 1961 through 1966 and intercepted 26 passes.

Dallas acquired Chuck Howley’s rights from Chicago on June 14, 1961, for second- and ninth-round picks in the 1963 draft. Howley became one of the defining linebackers in Cowboys history: 13 seasons with Dallas, six Pro Bowls, five first-team All-NFL selections, a Super Bowl VI championship, and Super Bowl V MVP honors. Chicago received No. 20 Steve Barnett and No. 118 Monte Day. Dallas won overwhelmingly.

Chicago sent quarterback Rudy Bukich to Pittsburgh on August 31, 1960 for the Steelers' 1963 first-round selection, later No. 11 overall. Bukich gave Pittsburgh two seasons of quarterback depth and some starting work, while Chicago controlled a premium future asset. The Bears later reacquired Bukich in a separate 1962 transaction, but the 1960 exchange itself still favored Chicago's first-round return.

Chicago transferred quarterback Don Meredith to the expansion Cowboys on July 14, 1960 in exchange for Dallas's 1962 third-round choice, later No. 32 Jim Bates. The arrangement helped give the new franchise a recognizable Texas quarterback. Dallas earns an A+ because a third-round choice became a franchise quarterback and Ring of Honor figure. Chicago's return was real but ordinary. The gap between Bates's draft value and Meredith's nine-year Cowboys impact makes this a decisive Dallas win.

Chicago sent linebacker Bill Roehnelt to Washington on January 1, 1960 for a 1962 fifth-round choice that became No. 57, Mac Burton. Roehnelt immediately gave Washington 12 games and nine starts in 1960. Chicago used the acquired pick on Burton, but he never played an NFL regular-season game and instead continued his career in Canada. Washington therefore received the clear direct return and keeps the historical win.

Washington received Chicago’s 1960 second-round choice for Larry Morris and selected VMI back Sam Horner at No. 21. Horner contributed as a runner, defensive back, returner and punter in 1960-61, so the return was useful rather than wasted. Morris, however, became a long-term Bears linebacker, a key member of the 1963 championship defense and a second-team All-Pro. Chicago’s sustained defensive impact makes it the clear winner.

On 1958-08-02, Chicago Bears received 1959 seventh-round draft pick, while Philadelphia Eagles received Ed Meadows. The hindsight verdict is Philadelphia Eagles Win, with Chicago Bears graded C and Philadelphia Eagles graded B. The evaluation credits only the consideration that can be traced confidently and keeps uncertain pick details out of the final judgment.

Chicago acquired Jesse Whittenton and Bob Carey from the Rams in February 1958 for tackle Kline Gilbert, but Gilbert retired and the compensation was changed to Chicago's 1959 fourth-round pick, No. 44 John Tracey. Whittenton never became a Bears contributor and Carey barely played, while Tracey provided little direct Rams value before another trade. The realized exchange grades evenly at C/C.

Chicago Bears received cash and draft pick (undisclosed overall/player) in the deal with Pittsburgh Steelers. Chicago received cash plus a draft choice whose exact downstream identity is not established in the surviving record. That still represented usable compensation, but there is not enough verified downstream value to outweigh Pittsburgh's known contribution. That outcome supports a C for Chicago Bears. The Pittsburgh Steelers Win verdict weighs documented games, starts, production and connected draft value.

Cleveland Browns received Jim Haluska; Chicago Bears received 1958 third-round pick No. 37, Don Healy. Haluska never appeared in a regular-season game for Cleveland after the trade. Healy played two full seasons for Chicago, appearing in 24 games with three starts before the 1960 expansion draft. The realized outcomes support Chicago Bears Win, with Cleveland Browns graded C and Chicago Bears graded B.

Chicago Bears received 1958 19th round pick (#219-Bill Roehnelt) from Green Bay Packers in the 1957-03-02 exchange. Lee Hermsen never produced a Packers regular-season career, while Bill Roehnelt became a Bears starter with 12 starts in 1958 and returned to Chicago in 1959. Measured by what Chicago Bears actually realized after the deal, the return supports a B+ grade and represents the stronger realized return. The overall judgment is Chicago Bears Win.

Chicago acquired defensive end Doug Atkins and safety Ken Gorgal from Cleveland before the 1955 season for third- and sixth-round picks in the 1956 draft. Cleveland used those selections on Larry Ross at No. 34 and Sherman Plunkett at No. 71. Atkins became a Hall of Famer and longtime Bears star, creating a major value advantage for Chicago.

Chicago Bears received Harry Jagade / Chuck Jagade / Chick Jagade. Chicago received Harry Jagade, an established Cleveland back, but his Bears tenure did not create value comparable to the package sent to the Browns. His post-trade Chicago contribution was limited enough that it could not offset Cleveland's multi-asset return.

Chicago Bears received Larry Brink from Los Angeles Rams in the 1954-05-08 trade. Los Angeles acquired Bob Cross as a player-for-player return, giving the Rams a direct roster asset rather than a contingent or future consideration. Los Angeles Rams's return was Bob Cross / Bobby Cross. Chicago acquired Larry Brink, an established defensive lineman whose Bears tenure provided the more durable veteran contribution of the swap. Those realized outcomes, rather than the labels on the assets alone, drive the hindsight grade.

Arizona Cardinals received Steve Romanik. The Cardinals received Steve Romanik, a veteran quarterback who provided depth after the October 1953 trade. His Arizona/St. Louis tenure did not develop into a stronger or longer-term return than the player sent to Chicago, so the Cardinals received useful but limited value.

Baltimore acquired Dick Barwegen, Bob Williams and Paul Nestor from the Chicago Bears in July 1953 for Andy Hillhouse and two draft choices. Barwegen immediately became a Colts co-captain and starting lineman, giving Baltimore the clearest documented football value. The exact identities and later outcomes of Chicago's two selections are not securely established by the surviving reports.

Chicago Bears received Jerry Shipkey. Chicago received Jerry Shipkey and got eight games of 1953 service. That was legitimate short-term roster value, but it did not match the immediate defensive impact Pittsburgh received from DeCarlo. Shipkey's Bears return was useful rather than transformative. The return was measurable, but it did not develop into a major long-term advantage for the acquiring club.

Washington acquired halfback Julie Rykovich from the Chicago Bears on September 24, 1952 for a 1953 seventh-round draft choice. Rykovich started 21 games over two Washington seasons and produced 612 rushing yards plus 356 receiving yards.

Chicago sold veteran guard Ray Bray to Green Bay for cash before the 1952 season after Bray had spent 10 years with the Bears. The exact dollar amount is not publicly established in the available team histories. Bray then appeared in all 12 games for the Packers that season, giving Green Bay immediate veteran depth while Chicago received cash rather than a football asset.

Chicago turned J.R. Boone into a conditional 1953 sixth-rounder that conveyed at No. 68 and became Kline Gilbert. Gilbert started all 60 games he played for the Bears from 1953 through 1957 and earned a Pro Bowl selection in his final season. Boone gave San Francisco one productive year with 461 receiving yards, but Gilbert’s five-year starting run gives Chicago the stronger return and an A- grade.

Chicago acquired Ed Neal and received four games of service from the veteran lineman to finish his NFL career. The contribution was brief, so this was not a major Bears success, but it was still direct regular-season value. Against a Green Bay return that produced no Packers playing time from the acquired draft selection, Chicago comes out slightly ahead.

Chicago Bears received 1952 fifth round pick (#54-Jack Hoffman) in the exchange with Pittsburgh Steelers. Chicago's fifth-round choice became Jack Hoffman, who played 55 games with 54 starts for the Bears from 1952 through 1958. The supported hindsight grade is A-. That mark reflects realized value tied directly to this transaction, with the overall result recorded as Chicago Bears Win.

Pittsburgh acquired rookie end Tom Jelley from Chicago for the Steelers' 1952 eighth-round pick. Jelley appeared in five games without a start for Pittsburgh in 1951 and never played another NFL season.

Chicago reacquired George Blanda from Baltimore on September 20, 1950, for a reported $500 after the Colts had placed him on waivers. Contemporary Green Bay reporting says Baltimore withdrew the waiver claim process and Halas bought Blanda back; Pro Football Archives records Blanda's return to Chicago on September 20. He then remained with the Bears for years, making the small cash return a poor long-term exchange for Baltimore.

Chicago sent George Blanda, Bob Perina, Ernie Zalejski, Jim Crawford and Bob Jensen to Baltimore in September 1950. The Bears subsequently received standout guard Dick Barwegan and the rights to retired tackle Dub Garrett. Barwegan became a first-team All-Pro for Chicago, while Blanda was back with the Bears within weeks and the other Baltimore arrivals did not create comparable lasting value, leaving Chicago ahead.

Baltimore acquired fullback Jim Spavital from Chicago on August 27, 1950 for the Colts' 1951 first-round selection. Spavital started nine games that season and produced 484 yards from scrimmage with three touchdowns. Chicago used the No. 2 overall pick on quarterback Bob Williams, whose NFL career totaled 981 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. The two clubs received different but similarly limited long-term returns.

Chicago Bears received Jim Spavital and John Adams / Tree Adams in the 1950-06-02 exchange, while Washington Redskins received Walt Stickel. Chicago sent Walt Stickel and received Jim Spavital plus John “Tree” Adams. Turning one outgoing player into two roster pieces gave the Bears more ways to extract value and created the stronger overall return.

Chicago received Pittsburgh's 1950 fourth-round pick, No. 48 overall, and used it on Tom Novak. Novak never played an NFL regular-season game for the Bears. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, received 12 games and seven starts from Frank Minini in 1949. The Bears therefore converted the outgoing player into draft capital, but the selected player did not produce a regular-season return.

Boston sent the negotiation rights to George Connor to Chicago and received tackle Mike Jarmoluk. Connor had been drafted by the Giants before his rights moved to Boston, but he wanted to play in his hometown of Chicago. Jarmoluk was an established NFL lineman, yet the Yanks surrendered the rights to a player who became a Hall of Fame cornerstone for the Bears, leaving Boston with the weaker long-term return.

Chicago received Paul Stenn and turned the deal into four seasons of service. Stenn played 47 games and made 32 starts for the Bears from 1948 through 1951, giving Chicago durable value from a modest transaction. That sustained contribution clearly exceeded what Pittsburgh realized from Fred Hartman and the rights to Walt Pupa.

Chicago acquired the rights to Bobby Layne from Pittsburgh after the Steelers used the third overall choice in the 1948 draft on the Texas quarterback. The Bears gave up the rights to Ray Evans. Layne spent only one season in Chicago, but the Bears later moved him for two first-round choices, extending the value of the asset. Evans had one productive Pittsburgh season, so Chicago wins without making Pittsburgh's return worthless.

Los Angeles and Chicago swapped Dante Magnani and Mike Holovak in January 1947. Magnani gave the Rams 20 games, four starts, 322 rushing yards and 85 receiving yards over two seasons. Holovak gave the Bears 23 games, eight starts, 509 rushing yards, 149 receiving yards and three rushing touchdowns. Both players contributed, but Chicago received the larger and more productive two-year return.

Chicago used a fifth-round choice transferred from the Cardinals to select Stanford back Lloyd Merriman at No. 32 in the 1947 NFL draft. Merriman chose baseball instead of professional football and never played for the Bears, while the Cardinals' consideration remains unidentified. With no documented NFL return on Chicago's side and an unknown return on Arizona's side, the trade is graded Even at C/C.

Chicago acquired the rights to quarterback Tom Farris from Green Bay on August 17, 1946, sending Charley Mitchell to the Packers in a straight swap. Farris did not develop into a major Bears contributor, but Chicago received the more identifiable quarterback-rights upside. The existing B grade reflects the Bears' side of a modest transaction.

Chicago sent Tom Harmon's rights to Los Angeles on July 20, 1946 for Dante Magnani and Fred Davis; contemporary reporting does not support cash as part of the trade package. Magnani immediately started seven games and helped the 1946 champion Bears, while Davis became a multi-year Chicago tackle and Pro Bowl selection. That two-player return gives Chicago the stronger hindsight result.

Chicago sent veteran lineman Dom Sigillo to Detroit on August 18, 1945, but surviving evidence does not identify what the Bears received. John Schiechl was on Chicago's 1945 roster, yet no reviewed source ties his move to the Sigillo transaction as consideration. With Chicago's return unresolved and Sigillo playing eight games for Detroit, the deal cannot support a documented winner.

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.

Philadelphia received guard Dick Bassi and end Les McDonald from Chicago in the 1940 deal tied to Johnny Schiechl's rights. Chicago received Schiechl's rights plus Philadelphia's 1941 first-round pick if Schiechl failed to report. He did not report, so the condition triggered and the Bears used the No. 1 overall selection on Tom Harmon.

Chicago acquired the rights to George McAfee and Joe Mihal from Philadelphia on February 15, 1940 for veteran linemen Russ Thompson and Milt Trost. McAfee became a Hall of Fame two-way star and helped the Bears win NFL championships in 1940, 1941 and 1946. Later accounts sometimes fold separate Bears-Eagles moves into this deal, but the direct February transaction identifies these four principals.

Chicago acquired John Siegal from Brooklyn in 1939 and received a five-season Bear who became a three-time Pro Bowler and played on the 1940, 1941 and 1943 NFL championship teams. Brooklyn received Gust Zarnas, who appeared in only four games with two starts before being released during the season. The documented outcomes make the hindsight verdict decisively favor Chicago.

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.

Chicago sent end Edgar 'Eggs' Manske to Pittsburgh in 1938 and received the Steelers' 1939 first-round choice. Pittsburgh finished with a pick that landed second overall, and the Bears used it on Sid Luckman. Luckman became a Hall of Fame quarterback and led Chicago to four NFL championships. Manske later returned to the Bears, making the first-round acquisition one of the most productive trades in franchise history.

Cleveland received Ed Wade and Vannie Albanese from Chicago in the August 1938 exchange for Lou Gordon. Albanese's NFL career ended in 1938, and the available evidence does not show a durable Cleveland payoff from the incoming package. The limited post-trade value supports the Rams' existing C+ grade in an exchange with little separation.

Philadelphia acquired veteran end Bill Hewitt and $4,000 in cash from Chicago on February 15, 1937, sending the rights to first-overall draft pick Sam Francis to the Bears. Hewitt became an All-NFL performer for the Eagles, while Francis had a shorter four-season NFL career. The existing C grade reflects Philadelphia's useful but limited return.

Chicago sold guard Joe Kopcha to Detroit on September 18, 1936 for an undisclosed purchase price. The Bears received cash rather than a roster asset, while Kopcha immediately joined the defending champion Lions and appeared in 12 games with seven starts that season. Detroit obtained meaningful one-year line help, supporting the existing B-to-C edge and a Lions win.

Philadelphia used the first NFL draft to select Heisman Trophy winner Jay Berwanger, then traded his rights to Chicago for tackle Art Buss before the league meeting ended on February 8, 1936. Berwanger never signed an NFL contract and never played a professional game. Buss, by contrast, became a full-time Eagles tackle, starting all 23 games he played for Philadelphia in 1936 and 1937.

Chicago received cash from Brooklyn in the October 1934 deal that sent end Wayland Becker to the Dodgers. The surviving transaction sources do not establish a cash amount, so the Bears' return cannot be measured precisely. With no documented player or draft asset coming back, the existing C grade reflects a limited, difficult-to-quantify return.

Chicago sent Frank Stevenson to Cincinnati in a July 1934 league-meeting trade, but the researched record does not identify what the Bears received. Because Cincinnati's acquired player can be documented while Chicago's return and its realized value remain unknown, the transaction does not support a defensible winner. The evaluation is reset to an Even Trade with matching C grades.

The Cardinals sold Paddy Driscoll to the Bears in September 1926 after a competing league created pressure around his playing future. Team history says the move was intended to keep him in the NFL. The Cardinals received cash, but Driscoll immediately became a major Chicago contributor and remained a Hall of Fame-caliber figure. The strategic motive is understandable, yet the football return still favored the Bears by a wide margin.

Chicago acquired tackle Ed Healey from the Rock Island Independents in 1922 for $100. Bears and Hall of Fame histories identify the transaction as an early player sale, while contemporary-account summaries describe additional terms around the payment. Whatever the precise contractual mechanics, Healey stayed with Chicago through 1927, became a perennial top lineman, and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame, producing extraordinary value for the Bears.