The Jets acquired Carl Garrett from Chicago for Mike Adamle,…
The Jets acquired Carl Garrett from Chicago for Mike Adamle, the rights to Ron Rydalch, and a 1976 fourth-round pick. Garrett delivered 566 rushing yards, 180 receiving yards, and five rushing touchdowns in his lone Jets season. Adamle gave Chicago 353 rushing yards in 1975 and another season of depth, while the fourth-round asset retained trade value. The split return makes the deal essentially even.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Mike Adamle
- other rights to Ron Rydalch
- pick 1976 fourth round pick (#98-Melvin Mitchell / Mel Mitchell)
New York Jets Received
- player Carl Garrett
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
New York acquired running back Carl Garrett from Chicago on September 9, 1975, for Mike Adamle, the rights to Ron Rydalch, and a fourth-round selection in the 1976 draft. Contemporary reporting described the player-and-pick package, while later draft records trace Chicago's acquired choice through subsequent movement.
What New York Received
Garrett gave the Jets the strongest single season produced directly by the trade. In 1975 he played 13 games, started eight, rushed for 566 yards and five touchdowns, and added 180 receiving yards. That was useful immediate offense for New York. The limitation is duration: Garrett moved on after that season, so the Jets did not receive multi-year value.
What Chicago Received
Adamle played all 14 games in 1975, started seven, rushed for 353 yards, and caught 15 passes for 111 yards. He returned in 1976 as a reserve. Chicago also received Rydalch's rights and a fourth-round asset associated with the No. 98 position in the 1976 draft; that pick later moved again rather than becoming a simple one-player endpoint. The Bears therefore received several smaller pieces rather than one standout return.
Why the Trade Is Even
Garrett's 1975 season was better than Adamle's direct production, but New York concentrated almost all of its value into one year. Chicago received two seasons from Adamle plus additional rights and draft capital. The difference between immediate quality and broader asset volume is not large enough to declare a meaningful winner.
Final Verdict
Both teams receive B- grades. The Jets got the best short-term player season, while the Bears spread their return across Adamle and additional assets. Each side received useful value, but neither created durable enough separation to win the trade outright.