Washington received Chicago’s 1960 second-round choice for…
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.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Larry Morris
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1960 second round pick (#21-Sam Horner)
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Larry Morris had played four seasons for the Rams and then Washington before the Redskins moved him to Chicago on September 5, 1959. In return, Washington obtained the Bears’ 1960 second-round selection. Draft-transaction records identify that choice as No. 21 overall, which Washington used on VMI’s Sam Horner. The exchange effectively matched a proven veteran linebacker against a premium young-player opportunity.
What Chicago Received
Morris immediately became part of the Bears’ linebacker structure and remained with Chicago through 1965. He started nine games in 1959 and later became the right linebacker on one of the league’s strongest defenses. In 1963 he started all 14 games for the NFL champion Bears and earned second-team All-Pro recognition. Chicago’s own historical coverage describes the trio of Bill George, Joe Fortunato and Morris as a formidable linebacker unit. His seven seasons of sustained defensive service made the acquisition especially valuable.
What Washington Received
Washington used the acquired No. 21 pick on Sam Horner. Horner played 10 games with four starts as a rookie in 1960 and 14 games with nine starts in 1961. He contributed in several phases: rushing, kick returns, defensive work and punting. Pro Football Reference credits him with 355 career rushing yards, and much of his meaningful production came during those two Washington seasons. He was useful, but his tenure was short compared with Morris’ Chicago run.
Final Verdict
Chicago Bears Win. Washington did convert the second-round pick into a legitimate two-year contributor, so a C+ is appropriate rather than a failing grade. Chicago gets an A- because Morris became a seven-season defensive fixture, an All-Pro during the 1963 title season, and part of a championship-caliber linebacker corps. The Bears received the more durable and more consequential football value.