Chicago traded linebacker Jon Bostic to New England in…

The Exchange

Chicago traded linebacker Jon Bostic to New England on September 28, 2015 for a 2016 sixth-round selection, No. 204. Chicago later moved the pick in another transaction, and Miami ultimately used it on Jordan Lucas. Lucas therefore belongs only to the later history of the selection and should not be treated as a player drafted directly by the Bears from this trade. Chicago Bears Return The Bears converted a player they were willing to move into a future draft asset. Sixth-round selections carry modest expected value, but they remain flexible pieces that can be used in the draft or included in another move. Chicago chose to move No. 204 later, preserving some roster-building utility rather than losing Bostic without compensation. New England Patriots Return New England received an experienced linebacker who could provide immediate depth during the 2015 season. The acquisition fit the Patriots' tendency to add inexpensive veteran competition, and the sixth-round cost was manageable. The limitation is that Bostic did not become a long-term contributor in New England, so the player return did not create enough sustained value to outweigh even modest draft capital. Value in Hindsight The transaction was low risk for both clubs. New England paid only a sixth-round choice, while Chicago surrendered a player who was no longer central to its plans. The difference comes from durability: Chicago retained an asset it could still redeploy, whereas Bostic's Patriots tenure was short. That creates a small but identifiable edge for the Bears. Final Verdict Chicago earns a C+ and New England a C. The Bears recovered useful draft capital and preserved its flexibility, while the Patriots received short-term linebacker depth at a reasonable price. The outcome favors Chicago slightly, with no need to credit the Bears for Miami's later selection of Jordan Lucas.