Chicago acquired defensive end Royce Berry from Cincinnati in…
Chicago acquired defensive end Royce Berry from Cincinnati in May 1976 and sent a future fifth-round choice that eventually became No. 131 Rob Hertel. Berry gave the Bears 12 appearances and two starts that season. Hertel appeared in only three games for Cincinnati in 1978, so Chicago receives a narrow edge on the direct transaction.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Royce Berry
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 1978 fifth round pick (#131-Rob Hertel)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Cincinnati sent defensive end Royce Berry to Chicago in May 1976 for a future draft choice. Bengals historical records identify that selection as the 1978 fifth-round pick used on quarterback Rob Hertel at No. 131. Other Bengals-to-Bears player movements that June were separate transactions and do not belong in this package.
What Chicago Received
Berry gave the Bears immediate veteran depth. Team season records show him appearing in 12 games with two starts in 1976. The contribution was not large or long-lasting, but Chicago received actual regular-season defensive snaps from the player it acquired.
What Cincinnati Received
The Bengals waited until 1978 to use the acquired fifth-round choice on Hertel. NFL records show Hertel appearing in only three games for Cincinnati, completing one of four pass attempts for nine yards. The selection did not become a meaningful long-term quarterback or a regular contributor.
Why Cleaning Up the Package Matters
Combining the later Cousino, Henson and Klaban movements with the Berry deal exaggerates what Chicago received for this specific pick. Once the transactions are separated, the comparison is straightforward: Chicago received a season of usable defensive depth, while Cincinnati's future fifth produced almost no regular-season value.
Historical Context
Berry's contribution was modest enough that Chicago's win remains narrow. The important point is transaction accuracy: evaluating only the May exchange prevents unrelated June player movements from inflating the Bears' return.
Final Verdict
Chicago receives a C+ and Cincinnati receives a C. The Bears win narrowly because Berry supplied more direct playing value than Hertel, though neither side gained enough to make the trade particularly consequential.