St. Louis acquired defensive back Curtis Gentry from Chicago…
St. Louis acquired defensive back Curtis Gentry from Chicago for Bobby Lee and the 1970 sixth-round pick used on Jeff Curchin. Bears historical material shows Gentry’s NFL playing career had already ended after the 1968 season, so the Cardinals received no regular-season production from him. Chicago at least turned the pick into Curchin, who played 26 games and made four starts for the Bears across 1970 and 1971.
Arizona Cardinals Received
- player Curtis Gentry
Chicago Bears Received
- player Bobby Lee
- pick 1970 sixth round pick (#136-Jeff Curchin)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Chicago traded defensive back Curtis Gentry to the St. Louis Cardinals on July 23, 1969. The Bears received Bobby Lee and a 1970 sixth-round pick, No. 136 overall, which became tackle Jeff Curchin. Chicago's own all-time trade history lists the package, and the draft record independently connects Curchin's selection to the deal.
What St Louis Got
Gentry had been a productive Bears defensive back earlier in the decade, but his prior accomplishments did not carry into St. Louis. Bears historical material notes that his NFL playing career ended with Chicago in 1968. He therefore provided no regular-season game value to the Cardinals after the trade. That makes the acquisition difficult to defend on realized results, even though the cost involved only a player and a sixth-round selection.
What Chicago Got
The Bears received two assets. Bobby Lee did not become the important part of the return, but the sixth-round pick produced Curchin. Pro Football Reference credits Curchin with 26 games and four starts for Chicago across the 1970 and 1971 seasons. That was not star production, yet it was legitimate roster value from a late-round choice. In a trade where the outgoing veteran never played another NFL game, even moderate contribution from the pick creates clear separation.
Final Verdict
Chicago wins the exchange. The Cardinals acquired a veteran whose NFL career had effectively ended, while the Bears converted part of their return into two seasons of offensive-line depth. A B- for Chicago reflects useful value from a modest asset rather than a franchise-changing score. St. Louis receives a D+ because the club gave up a player and a pick without receiving any regular-season production from Gentry.