Miami traded receiver Charlie Wade to Chicago in August 1974…
Miami traded receiver Charlie Wade to Chicago in August 1974 for a 1975 tenth-round pick that became running back Clyde Russell. Russell was drafted by Miami but did not play a regular-season NFL game. Wade immediately became a Bears starter, catching 39 passes for 683 yards and a touchdown in 1974, making Chicago the clear beneficiary of the exchange.
Miami Dolphins Received
- pick 1975 tenth-round pick (#239, Clyde Russell)
Chicago Bears Received
- player Charlie Wade
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Chicago acquired wide receiver Charlie Wade from Miami on August 9, 1974. The Bears sent a 1975 tenth-round draft choice to the Dolphins. That choice became the 239th overall pick, which Miami used on Oklahoma running back Clyde Russell.
Chicago's Return
Wade delivered immediate production. He played all 14 games for the Bears in 1974, started 13 and caught 39 passes for 683 yards and a touchdown. His 17.5 yards per reception reflected the downfield role he filled in Chicago's offense. For the price of a future tenth-round selection, the Bears acquired a starter who became one of their most productive receivers that season.
Miami's Return
The Dolphins eventually exercised the pick on Russell. Draft records place him at No. 239 overall in 1975, but his professional transaction record shows that Miami released him without a regular-season NFL appearance. Late-round picks naturally carry low hit rates, yet the comparison is still stark because the player Miami surrendered immediately produced as a starter for Chicago.
Value in Hindsight
This is the type of low-cost veteran acquisition that becomes lopsided through simple conversion. Chicago surrendered minimal draft capital and received a full season of starting receiver production. Miami converted the return into a player who never reached the regular-season field. Wade's later NFL career was brief, but the Bears did not need long-term stardom to justify the purchase price.
Final Verdict
Chicago Bears Win. Chicago earns an A-minus because a tenth-round pick produced an immediate 683-yard starter. Miami receives a D-plus because the returned choice did not generate regular-season value. The modest cost keeps the loss from being catastrophic, but the on-field gap is decisive.