Chicago sent Pittsburgh a 1964 second-round pick and a 1964…
Chicago sent Pittsburgh a 1964 second-round pick and a 1964 fourth-round pick for the Steelers' 1965 first-round choice. Pittsburgh used the two selections on Jim Kelly and Ben McGee; McGee became a two-time Pro Bowler and nine-season Steeler. Chicago's acquired pick landed third overall and became Dick Butkus, one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. Pittsburgh got a strong player in McGee, but the Bears landed a franchise legend.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 1965 first round pick (#3-Dick Butkus)
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 1964 second round pick (#28-Jim Kelly (Harry))
- pick 1964 fourth round pick (#51-Ben McGee)
Trade Analysis
What Chicago Bought in Advance
On December 2, 1963, Chicago sent Pittsburgh two selections in the 1964 draft—a second-rounder and a fourth-rounder—in exchange for the Steelers' first-round choice in 1965. Pittsburgh used the picks on Notre Dame receiver Jim Kelly at No. 28 and Jackson State lineman Ben McGee at No. 51. One year later, Pittsburgh's transferred first-rounder landed third overall, giving Chicago the pick it used on Dick Butkus.
Why Pittsburgh's Return Deserves Respect
Kelly made only a brief impact, playing one Steelers season, but McGee became an important player. He spent nine seasons in Pittsburgh and earned two Pro Bowl selections. That is substantial realized value from a fourth-round choice and prevents the Steelers from receiving a failing grade. Pittsburgh effectively turned one future first-rounder into one long-term Pro Bowl lineman plus a short-term receiver.
Why Butkus Still Overwhelms the Comparison
Butkus became one of the defining defensive players in league history. He earned eight Pro Bowls, multiple first-team All-Pro selections, and eventual enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His violent, instinctive style became synonymous with Bears defense and with the middle-linebacker position itself. A transaction that produces that level of franchise icon almost always wins unless the other side receives a comparable all-time player. Pittsburgh did not.
Final Verdict
Chicago earns an A+ and the decisive win. The Bears used the acquired first-rounder on a Hall of Fame cornerstone whose legacy still defines the franchise. Pittsburgh improves to a C+ because McGee was a legitimately excellent long-term return piece, making the old D too punitive. Even so, Kelly plus McGee cannot match the historic value of Butkus. The Steelers got a good player; the Bears got an all-time great.