Chicago acquired veteran tackle Ron Mattes from the Jets for…
Chicago acquired veteran tackle Ron Mattes from the Jets for a conditional 1992 eighth-round pick that transferred only if Mattes made the Bears roster. He did, appearing in 15 games during the 1991 season, so New York received pick No. 219 and selected Vincent Brownlee. Mattes delivered useful immediate line depth, while the late selection produced little comparable NFL value, giving Chicago a small but clear win.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Ron Mattes
New York Jets Received
- pick 1992 conditional eighth-round pick (No. 219, Vincent Brownlee)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
On August 19, 1991, the Jets sent offensive tackle Ron Mattes to Chicago. The consideration was conditional: New York would receive a 1992 eighth-round pick if Mattes made the Bears' roster. He did, triggering the transfer. Draft-transaction records identify the choice as No. 219 overall, which the Jets used on Vincent Brownlee.
What Chicago Bought
The Bears were paying for experienced offensive-line depth rather than a long-term building block. Mattes appeared in 15 games during the 1991 season. He did not start, but simply staying available across nearly the entire schedule satisfied the condition and gave Chicago a veteran reserve for a very small acquisition cost.
What New York Received
The Jets did the sensible thing by attaching a condition to a player they were prepared to move. Once Mattes stuck in Chicago, they recovered a draft asset. The eighth round, however, offered a low probability of substantial return. Brownlee did not develop into a meaningful NFL contributor, so the pick created little lasting value beyond the opportunity itself.
How the Value Aged
Neither side made a high-stakes move. The comparison comes down to actual use: Chicago received a season of dependable roster depth, while New York received a late choice that did not become a comparable player. That creates separation, but not enough to turn the deal into a major victory.
Final Verdict
Chicago earns a B- for getting 15 games from a veteran tackle at an eighth-round price. The Jets get a C- because the conditional pick was smartly secured but produced little on-field return. The Bears win modestly.
Ron Mattes gave Chicago 15 games of veteran offensive-line depth immediately, while New York's conditional eighth-round pick became Vincent Brownlee and produced little comparable NFL value, making the Bears' modest investment more productive. Chicago therefore realized the stronger direct football return.