Chicago's own trade history places the Jim Kirby-for-Buddy…
Chicago's own trade history places the Jim Kirby-for-Buddy Lee swap on July 7, 1972. Kirby went from Los Angeles to Chicago, while Lee went from Chicago to the Rams. Neither player produced an NFL regular-season appearance for the receiving club, leaving the transaction as an even trade at D-minus for both sides.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Jim Kirby
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Buddy Lee
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Chicago's historical trade table gives the date as July 7, 1972 and lists Jim Kirby coming from Los Angeles in exchange for Buddy Lee. Kirby had been selected by the Rams in the 16th round of the 1972 draft; Lee had been Chicago's seventh-round quarterback selection in 1971. The player direction and transaction date are both documented.
Chicago Bears Return
Chicago received Kirby, a wide receiver from Long Beach State. The Rams' draft history confirms he was the 407th overall pick in 1972. The important outcome is what happened after the trade: Kirby has no NFL regular-season career line. Chicago therefore did not get games, starts, catches or another measurable regular-season return from the player it acquired.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Los Angeles received Lee, who had played quarterback at LSU and had been drafted by the Bears a year earlier. LSU's retrospective biography confirms that Lee was later traded from Chicago to the Rams. Like Kirby, however, Lee does not have an NFL regular-season playing record to credit to his new club. His value to Los Angeles remained roster or developmental opportunity rather than regular-season production.
Value in Hindsight
Both teams exchanged recent draft investments that failed to become NFL regular-season contributors after the deal. The draft pedigree explains why the players were worth swapping, but it is not itself realized value. Without games, starts or other measurable regular-season production for either acquiring club, the transaction produced no meaningful on-field separation.
Final Verdict
Even Trade, with Chicago and Los Angeles both at D-minus. Neither Kirby nor Lee produced an NFL regular-season appearance for the acquiring team, so neither side can claim a meaningful football return in hindsight. The supported transaction date is July 7, 1972.