Cleveland traded receiver Rich Kreitling to Chicago in June…
Cleveland traded receiver Rich Kreitling to Chicago in June 1964 for defensive back Lowell Caylor plus the Bears' 1965 second- and third-round picks, No. 17 Jim Garcia and No. 32 Bo Scott. Kreitling played only one final NFL season, while Scott became a productive multi-year Browns contributor. Cleveland turned an expendable veteran into three assets and earns an A to Chicago's C.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Rich Kreitling
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Lowell Caylor
- pick 1965 second round pick (#17- Jim Garcia )
- pick 1965 third round pick (#32-Robert Scott / Bo Scott)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On June 25, 1964, Cleveland sent receiver Rich Kreitling to Chicago for defensive back Lowell Caylor and the Bears' second- and third-round choices in the 1965 draft. Cleveland used No. 17 on Jim Garcia and No. 32 on Robert 'Bo' Scott. The Browns had recently drafted Paul Warfield, making Kreitling more movable, and they converted that roster surplus into three separate assets.
Chicago Bears Return Return
Kreitling stepped into Chicago's lineup in 1964 and started extensively, catching 20 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns. That gave the Bears immediate veteran service, but it was brief. Injuries and competition contributed to his retirement before the 1965 season, so Chicago received only one year from the player acquired at the cost of a defensive back and two relatively valuable draft choices.
Cleveland Browns Return Return
Cleveland's package had both quantity and staying power. Caylor contributed to the 1964 championship team, while the draft choices produced Garcia and Scott. Scott became the most important long-term return, giving the Browns multiple seasons of rushing and receiving production. Even without treating every asset as a major hit, the Browns transformed a veteran made expendable by roster depth into several years of useful team value.
Value in Hindsight
The deal illustrates excellent timing. Cleveland moved Kreitling before his career ended, retained immediate defensive depth and acquired two Day 2-equivalent choices under the era's draft structure. Chicago received a functional starter for one season, but that return could not match the volume Cleveland realized.
Final Verdict
Cleveland Browns Win earns an A for Cleveland and a C for Chicago. Kreitling was useful in 1964, so the Bears were not empty-handed, but Cleveland's three-asset return and Scott's multi-year production created decisive separation.