Chicago sent George Blanda, Bob Perina, Ernie Zalejski, Jim…
Chicago sent George Blanda, Bob Perina, Ernie Zalejski, Jim Crawford and Bob Jensen to Baltimore in September 1950. The Bears subsequently received standout guard Dick Barwegan and the rights to retired tackle Dub Garrett. Barwegan became a first-team All-Pro for Chicago, while Blanda was back with the Bears within weeks and the other Baltimore arrivals did not create comparable lasting value, leaving Chicago ahead.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Dick Barwegan / Dick Barwegen
- other rights to Dub Garrett
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player George Blanda
- player Ernie Zalejski
- player Bob Perina
- player Bob Jensen
- player Jim Crawford (a) / Tank Crawford
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Did
George Blanda's transaction history places his move from Chicago to Baltimore on September 5, 1950. A detailed biographical transaction record identifies the full five-player Chicago package as Blanda, Bob Perina, Ernie Zalejski, Jim Crawford and Bob Jensen, with the Bears receiving guard Dick Barwegan and the rights to retired tackle Dub Garrett. That matches the two-sided structure already preserved in the row.
Why Chicago's Return Was Strong
Barwegan was a premier lineman of the era rather than a routine veteran. He earned first-team All-Pro recognition and was later selected to the NFL's 1950s All-Decade Team. Chicago therefore acquired a proven, high-end starter at a position of importance. Garrett's rights provided additional optional value, although his retirement status means Barwegan was the practical centerpiece of the return.
How Baltimore's Five Players Aged
The quantity on Baltimore's side did not translate into comparable staying power. Blanda was released on September 19 and returned to Chicago the next day. The remaining players gave the Colts roster help, but the 1950 Baltimore franchise itself lasted only that season. Evaluating this specific trade rather than Blanda's later AFL fame still leaves the Colts with a short-duration return versus an elite Chicago lineman.
Final Verdict
Chicago retains an A and Baltimore a D. Barwegan provided top-level line play, while the most famous player Baltimore acquired was back with the Bears within weeks. The five-for-two structure was real, but the realized value favored Chicago because its principal acquisition became a major contributor and Baltimore's package did not endure.