Chicago Bears–New York Jets Trade History

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.