Chicago purchased Roddy Lamb from the Rock Island…
Chicago purchased Roddy Lamb from the Rock Island Independents in 1926 after Lamb had been one of Rock Island’s prominent 1925 backs. Contemporary league-meeting coverage says Cardinals owner Chris O’Brien paid a substantial price, though no exact figure survives. Lamb then played 23 games with 10 starts across three Cardinals seasons, giving Chicago a useful multi-year return while Rock Island received cash and soon left the NFL.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Roy Lamb / Roddy Lamb
Rock Island Independents Received
- other cash (amount undisclosed)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
League-meeting coverage from 1926 describes Cardinals owner Chris O’Brien paying a “big price” for Roddy Lamb after his strong 1925 season with Rock Island. The exact cash figure is unavailable, but the account establishes a purchase rather than an unexplained player movement. Chicago was buying a back who had already demonstrated that he could contribute in the league.
Chicago Cardinals Return
Chicago purchased Roddy Lamb from the Rock Island Independents in 1926 after Lamb had been one of Rock Island’s prominent 1925 backs. Contemporary league-meeting coverage says Cardinals owner Chris O’Brien paid a substantial price, though no exact figure survives. Lamb then played 23 games with 10 starts across three Cardinals seasons, giving Chicago a useful multi-year return while Rock Island received cash and soon left the NFL.
Rock Island Independents Return
Rock Island sold Roddy Lamb to the Chicago Cardinals for cash in 1926, receiving an undisclosed but reportedly significant payment for one of its notable 1925 players. Lamb became a recurring Cardinals contributor, appearing in 23 games with 10 starts across 1926, 1927 and a later 1933 return. The Independents received financial value, but Chicago’s several seasons of actual playing time create a modest edge.
Value in Hindsight
Lamb was a useful player, not a transformative star. Chicago received several seasons of availability and some starting work, but nothing that warrants an elite grade. The unknown cash price also prevents assuming the Cardinals acquired him cheaply.
Final Verdict
Chicago wins narrowly. C+ rewards the Cardinals for turning cash into a player who contributed over multiple seasons. Rock Island receives C because it secured financial consideration of reportedly meaningful size, leaving the exchange competitive even though Chicago obtained the clearer football return.