Chicago sent linebacker Bill Roehnelt to Washington on…
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.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 1962 fifth round pick (#57-Mac Burton / Mack Burton)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Bill Roehnelt
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Chicago's official all-time trade ledger dates the deal to January 1, 1960: the Bears sent Bill Roehnelt to Washington and received Washington's 1962 fifth-round selection. Draft records identify that choice as No. 57. Two years later Chicago used it on San Jose State end Mac Burton, who was also selected by the AFL's San Diego Chargers.
Washington Return
Washington received immediate linebacker help. Roehnelt played all 12 games of the 1960 season and started nine, giving the receiving team a substantial one-year role rather than merely a camp look or reserve stint. His Washington tenure lasted only that season before he moved to Denver, so the return was not long-term, but nine starts from the acquired player are concrete value.
Chicago Bears Return
Chicago's return remained dormant until the 1962 draft, when the Bears exercised pick No. 57 on Burton. The Pro Football Hall of Fame and draft records confirm that selection. Burton did not appear in an NFL regular-season game. His professional playing career instead continued in Canada, where he played for the BC Lions. For Chicago, the acquired selection therefore produced no NFL game or start.
Value in Hindsight
The contrast is straightforward. Washington received a starting linebacker for most of the 1960 season. Chicago received a future fifth-round selection, used it, and got no NFL regular-season contribution from the selected player. That does not make the transaction historically major, but it does create a clear realized-value gap between the two receiving teams.
Final Verdict
Washington Commanders/Redskins Win remains the appropriate result. Washington keeps the B grade because Roehnelt supplied 12 games and nine starts in the season after the trade, while Chicago remains at C because the acquired fifth-round pick became a player who never appeared in the NFL. The specific outcomes support the existing grade separation without relying on generic draft-value assumptions.