On 1973-08-08, Chicago Bears received Randy Mattingly, while…
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.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Randy Mattingly
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 1974 tenth round pick (#238-Mike Puestow)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Chicago acquired quarterback Randy Mattingly from Cleveland in August 1973 for a 1974 tenth-round pick. Cleveland later used that choice, No. 238, on Mike Puestow. The selection can be traced cleanly, but neither side ultimately received meaningful post-trade NFL regular-season production from the asset it acquired.
Chicago Bears Return
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.
Cleveland Browns Return
On 1973-08-08, Cleveland Browns received 1974 tenth round pick (#238-Mike Puestow), while Chicago Bears received Randy Mattingly. The hindsight verdict is Even Trade, with Cleveland Browns graded D and Chicago Bears graded D. The evaluation follows the documented consideration and traceable football value, while leaving unresolved downstream pick identities out of the judgment.
Value in Hindsight
Because the pick identity is known, there is no need to hide behind uncertainty. The trade simply produced little for either side. Chicago's acquired player did not become a regular-season contributor, and Cleveland's selected player did not create one either. The exchange is better described as mutual low-impact roster experimentation than as a win for either organization.
Final Verdict
Even Trade, D for Chicago and D for Cleveland. The Bears did not turn Mattingly into useful NFL production, and the Browns did not turn the exact tenth-round selection into meaningful value. The equal low grades reflect poor realized outcomes on both sides rather than a lack of evidence.