Chicago reacquired George Blanda from Baltimore on September…
Chicago reacquired George Blanda from Baltimore on September 20, 1950, for a reported $500 after the Colts had placed him on waivers. Contemporary Green Bay reporting says Baltimore withdrew the waiver claim process and Halas bought Blanda back; Pro Football Archives records Blanda's return to Chicago on September 20. He then remained with the Bears for years, making the small cash return a poor long-term exchange for Baltimore.
Chicago Bears Received
- player George Blanda
Indianapolis Colts Received
- other $500 cash
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Did
The old October 2 date does not fit the contemporary sequence. Pro Football Archives shows Baltimore releasing Blanda on September 19 and Chicago obtaining him on September 20. A Green Bay historical compilation, drawing on reporting from the time, says the Colts recalled the waivers and allowed George Halas to buy Blanda back for a reported $500 after Green Bay and Pittsburgh had shown interest.
Why the Timing Matters
This was tied directly to the five-player Bears-Colts exchange from earlier in September. Halas had included a restriction affecting where the players Baltimore acquired could be sent, and Blanda's waiver situation triggered a dispute. The important point for this row is that Blanda was back in Chicago by September 20 and was kicking for the Bears days later, so October 2 cannot be retained as the transaction date.
How the Value Aged
Chicago paid almost nothing in football terms to recover a player who remained useful for several seasons as a quarterback and kicker. Blanda's later Hall of Fame fame came primarily from his AFL and Raiders years, so Chicago should not receive credit for his entire 26-season career. Even limiting the evaluation to his Bears tenure, however, reacquiring a versatile contributor for $500 was excellent value.
Final Verdict
Chicago keeps an A and Baltimore a D. The Bears regained a useful player for a nominal cash payment, while the Colts received little lasting value after holding Blanda for only a short period. The main correction is historical: the transaction date moves to September 20, 1950, matching the waiver chronology and contemporary reporting.