Pittsburgh reacquired running back Alvin Maxson from Chicago…
Pittsburgh reacquired running back Alvin Maxson from Chicago on September 5, 1978 for unspecified past considerations. The transaction was a waiver-workaround arrangement: Chicago had signed Maxson days earlier and sent him back to Pittsburgh before he ever traveled to join the Bears.
Chicago Bears Received
- other past considerations (unspecified; procedural waiver workaround)
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player Alvin Maxson
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Official Steelers trade history records a September 5, 1978 deal sending past consideration to Chicago for Alvin Maxson. Chicago's all-time trade ledger records the same player movement, while transaction records show the Bears had signed Maxson on September 2 and traded him three days later.
Why the Route Was Unusual
Contemporary retrospective reporting explains that Pittsburgh had waived Maxson while trying to manage its crowded backfield. Chicago signed him and then cooperated in a trade back to Pittsburgh, allowing the Steelers to regain him despite waiver restrictions. Maxson did not travel to Chicago before the transaction became official.
Pittsburgh Return
Maxson appeared in five regular-season games for Pittsburgh in 1978. NFL records credit him with four carries for nine yards and two receptions for 33 yards. The contribution was modest, but Pittsburgh did receive actual roster value from a player reacquired at negligible documented cost.
Chicago Return
The Bears received only unspecified past considerations. The surviving accounts treat that consideration as procedural rather than as a meaningful player or draft asset, and Maxson never played a Bears regular-season game.
Final Verdict
Pittsburgh Steelers Win, C+ to C. The Steelers obtained limited but real regular-season value, while Chicago functioned mainly as the intermediary in a waiver workaround. The legacy B grade overstated Maxson's five-game contribution.