Chicago Bears received Johnny Sample, while Washington…
Chicago Bears received Johnny Sample, while Washington Commanders received 1967 tenth round pick (#247-Tim Houlton). Washington sent Johnny Sample to Chicago for its 1967 tenth-round choice, later No. 247 Tim Houlton. Historical sources differ by one day on the transaction date, but neither Sample in Chicago nor Houlton from the pick created meaningful regular-season value. Chicago Bears earns a D grade, and the overall verdict is Even Trade.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Johnny Sample
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 1967 tenth round pick (#247-Tim Houlton)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1966-07-12, Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders completed an exchange in which Chicago Bears received Johnny Sample, while Washington Commanders received 1967 tenth round pick (#247-Tim Houlton). The transaction was modest, so the evaluation turns on the direct value each club actually realized from its return rather than hypothetical value in another setting.
Chicago Bears Return
Chicago Bears came away with Johnny Sample and receives a D. The grade weighs games played, starting work, and identifiable draft value while keeping the scale of the transaction in view. A useful role can matter in a minor deal, but a short stay or a selection that produces little NFL value limits the upside.
Washington Commanders Return
Washington Commanders received 1967 tenth round pick (#247-Tim Houlton), which earns a D. The same standard applies here: durable production is worth more than a brief appearance, and draft capital is judged by the value that can reasonably be connected to the selection. That keeps both sides on the same footing.
Value in Hindsight
Washington sent Johnny Sample to Chicago for its 1967 tenth-round choice, later No. 247 Tim Houlton. Historical sources differ by one day on the transaction date, but neither Sample in Chicago nor Houlton from the pick created meaningful regular-season value. This is the clearest basis for separating the two returns. Small differences in old transaction dates, player naming, or pick numbering are preserved where relevant, but they do not outweigh the actual football value each club received.
Final Verdict
The final judgment is Even Trade. Chicago Bears receives D, while Washington Commanders receives D. The grades are scaled to the size of the deal: a modest edge can still produce a winner, while two weak returns can reasonably finish even. The call rests on realized NFL value and the strongest supported description of the exchange.