Seattle moved up nine spots in the 2021 sixth round, sending…
Seattle moved up nine spots in the 2021 sixth round, sending picks 217 and 250 to Chicago for No. 208. The Seahawks selected tackle Stone Forsythe, while the Bears landed running back Khalil Herbert and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga. Forsythe became a useful starter, but the combined production of Herbert and Tonga gives Chicago the stronger overall return.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 2021 6th round pick (217th overall, Khalil Herbert )
- pick 2021 7th round pick (250th overall, Khyiris Tonga )
Seattle Seahawks Received
- pick 2021 6th round pick (208th overall, Stone Forsythe )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On May 1, 2021, Seattle traded picks 217 and 250 to Chicago for pick 208. The Seahawks used 208 on Stone Forsythe. Chicago used 217 on Khalil Herbert and 250 on Khyiris Tonga. All three players reached meaningful NFL roles, making this unusually productive for a swap entirely within the final two rounds.
Chicago Bears Return
Seattle's pick produced Forsythe, a tackle who appeared in 70 games and made 27 starts. That is strong value for No. 208 and prevents the Seahawks from receiving a poor grade. The cost, however, was two later selections that both became useful NFL players, so Seattle's good individual hit did not outperform Chicago's combined return.
Seattle Seahawks Return
Chicago received Herbert and Tonga. Herbert accumulated 1,957 rushing yards and a 4.7-yard career rushing average, while Tonga appeared in 67 games with 15 starts. Getting two useful contributors from picks 217 and 250 is excellent late-round conversion. Neither became a star, but the combined roster value and longevity support a B+ grade.
Value in Hindsight
The most important point is that all three selections worked better than typical late-round picks. Seattle should receive credit for Forsythe's starts, but Chicago multiplied one pick into two players who both stuck in the league. The aggregate contribution of Herbert and Tonga creates the Bears' edge while still leaving Seattle with a respectable B- result.
Final Verdict
The final call is Chicago Bears Win. Seattle Seahawks receives a B- grade and Chicago Bears receives a B+ grade. The grades weigh the actual football value created after the transaction, the cost paid, the length and quality of each return, and the uncertainty that still exists in the historical evidence. The judgment stays proportional to the size of the move rather than treating a depth transaction or late pick swap like a franchise-changing blockbuster.