Pittsburgh traded running back Tim Worley to Chicago on…
Pittsburgh traded running back Tim Worley to Chicago on October 19, 1993, for conditional draft compensation. The realized 1994 choice became No. 140, safety Myron Bell, while the later 1995 condition was not exercised. Worley gave Chicago 437 rushing yards in ten 1993 games, but Bell's six Pittsburgh seasons and 80 appearances ultimately created more durable value.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Tim Worley
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- pick 1994 fifth-round pick (No. 140, Myron Bell)
- pick 1995 conditional late-round pick (not conveyed)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Pittsburgh sent Tim Worley to Chicago on October 19, 1993, for conditional draft compensation. The realized portion became a 1994 fifth-round choice, No. 140 overall, which the Steelers used on safety Myron Bell. A later 1995 conditional late-round selection was not conveyed. The Bears were buying immediate running-back help, while Pittsburgh was turning a former first-round pick into future value after his role had diminished.
Pittsburgh's Return
Bell became a useful long-term defensive piece. He played 80 games across six Pittsburgh seasons, with 22 starts, and contributed in the secondary over multiple playoff-era teams. A fifth-rounder producing that much service is a strong conversion from a player the Steelers were ready to move. The fact that the second condition never triggered does not materially hurt Pittsburgh because the realized selection alone became productive.
Chicago's Return
Worley helped immediately after the trade. In ten games for the 1993 Bears, he rushed 110 times for 437 yards and two touchdowns while starting three games. That was legitimate midseason value. The return faded quickly, though: in 1994 he appeared in only five games and rushed for 17 yards. Chicago received a useful short-term burst, not a lasting answer at running back.
Value in Hindsight
The comparison favors duration over the initial spark. Chicago can defend the move because Worley gave the offense nearly 500 scrimmage yards after arriving in 1993. Pittsburgh, however, converted the deal into a defensive back who remained with the franchise for years and later returned for additional Steelers seasons. Bell's 80 Pittsburgh games substantially outweigh Worley's brief two-season Bears contribution.
Final Verdict
Pittsburgh Steelers Win. Pittsburgh earns a B+ for turning Worley into Myron Bell, a productive fifth-round value who supplied six Steelers seasons. Chicago receives a B- because Worley genuinely helped in 1993, but his impact disappeared the next year. The Bears got the short-term boost they wanted; Pittsburgh obtained the more durable asset.