Chicago moved from No. 87 to No. 73 in the 2019 draft for…
Chicago moved from No. 87 to No. 73 in the 2019 draft for David Montgomery and also received pick No. 205, used on Duke Shelley. Montgomery became the Bears’ lead back for four seasons, topping 800 rushing yards every year and producing more than 4,800 yards from scrimmage in Chicago. New England received Damien Harris plus additional draft capital, making the price meaningful but still worthwhile for the Bears.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 2019 3rd round pick (73rd overall, David Montgomery )
- pick 2019 6th round pick (205th overall, Duke Shelley)
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2019 3rd round pick (87th overall, Damien Harris), 2019 5th round pick (162nd overall subsequently traded, Cameron Smith ) and 2020 4th round pick (125th overall subsequently traded, James Morgan)
Trade Analysis
Chicago entered the 2019 draft without first- or second-round picks and chose to spend more future capital to get a running back. The Bears sent New England picks No. 87 and No. 162, plus a 2020 fourth-rounder, for No. 73 and No. 205. At No. 73 they selected David Montgomery, who immediately became a central part of the offense.
Montgomery’s Chicago career was productive even when the surrounding offense struggled. He rushed for at least 800 yards in each of his four Bears seasons, exceeded 1,000 rushing yards in 2020 and added consistent receiving work. His hard-running style and durability gave Chicago dependable volume at a position where the team needed stability after moving on from Jordan Howard. Sixth-round corner Duke Shelley offered some additional depth but was not the reason the trade worked.
New England’s best direct return was Damien Harris at No. 87. Harris was lightly used as a rookie but became a productive runner in 2020 and 2021, leading the Patriots with 15 rushing touchdowns over those two seasons before injuries reduced his role. He gave New England legitimate starting-caliber stretches at a cheaper acquisition price than Montgomery. The fifth-round and future fourth-round pieces were moved again as the Patriots continued to maneuver around the board, so their value was spread across later transactions rather than one obvious star.
The Bears paid a notable premium for a running back, which caps the grade. Still, Montgomery gave them four years of reliable starting production and was clearly the best individual player created directly by the exchange. Harris made the Patriots’ side respectable and prevents the move from looking one-sided.
Chicago remains the winner at B+, while New England improves to B. The deal produced useful running backs for both organizations; the Bears simply received more total offensive production from theirs.