Chicago acquired running back Carl Garrett from New England…
Chicago acquired running back Carl Garrett from New England for the 1973 first-round pick used on Darryl Stingley. Garrett gave the Bears two productive seasons, including 655 rushing yards in 1973, while Stingley produced 1,883 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns across five Patriots seasons. Both sides received real value, with New England earning the narrow edge.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Carl Garrett
New England Patriots Received
- pick 1973 first round pick (#19-Darryl Stingley)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On January 30, 1973, Chicago acquired running back Carl Garrett from New England for the Bears' first-round choice, No. 19 overall. The Patriots used that pick on Purdue receiver Darryl Stingley. The draft-pick chain is documented in transaction records and in New England's own retrospective material on Stingley, so the player selected with the pick can be tied directly to the trade.
Chicago Return
Garrett was far from a failed acquisition. In 1973 he started 12 games for Chicago, rushed for 655 yards and five touchdowns, caught 23 passes for 292 yards, and also returned kickoffs. He remained productive in 1974, adding 346 rushing yards in seven games. Chicago therefore received immediate, substantial offensive value from the veteran it acquired. That return keeps the grade close and prevents a harsh Bears score.
New England Return
Stingley gave the Patriots a longer run. From 1973 through 1977 he played 60 games, caught 110 passes for 1,883 yards, and scored 14 receiving touchdowns. His 1976 and 1977 seasons were especially productive, and the first-round pick became a meaningful part of New England's passing game for five years. The comparison is not one useful player against a miss; it is two successful returns, with New England getting the longer contribution.
Final Verdict
New England wins narrowly. Garrett justified Chicago's move with two productive seasons, but Stingley's five-year Patriots output created more total value. B for New England and B- for Chicago recognizes that both clubs received strong returns while preserving the Patriots' modest long-term edge.