San Francisco acquired quarterback Pat Sullivan's contract…
San Francisco acquired quarterback Pat Sullivan's contract rights from Chicago in 1977 for cash consideration of an unidentified amount. Sullivan did not produce regular-season value for the 49ers. Chicago therefore received the only verified realized return, although the unknown cash amount keeps that advantage modest. The supported outcome is a Chicago Bears win, C-plus to C.
Chicago Bears Received
- other cash consideration (amount not identified)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Pat Sullivan
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
San Francisco acquired quarterback Pat Sullivan from Chicago in 1977. The 49ers' own 1977 media guide describes the move as acquiring Sullivan by 'purchasing contract rights,' and later team trade histories similarly say the club purchased his contract. Those sources establish a cash transaction while leaving the exact amount unidentified.
Chicago Bears Return
Chicago received cash consideration of an unidentified amount. That is less tangible than a player or a known draft selection, but it is the verified return on the Bears' side. Because the amount cannot be measured precisely, the cash return supports only a modest advantage rather than a high grade.
San Francisco 49ers Return
San Francisco received Sullivan's contract rights. The transaction appears in multiple 49ers historical records, yet Sullivan did not become a regular-season contributor for the club. His acquisition therefore produced no documented regular-season playing value for San Francisco.
Value in Hindsight
The football comparison is modest. Chicago obtained cash for a player who provided the 49ers no regular-season value. The unknown cash amount limits how much credit Chicago can receive, but the Bears still realized more direct value than San Francisco did from Sullivan. Sullivan's lack of a regular-season appearance leaves no on-field San Francisco return to offset Chicago's cash receipt.
Final Verdict
Chicago Bears Win, with Chicago at C+ and San Francisco at C. The Bears received cash consideration of an unidentified amount, while Sullivan produced no regular-season contribution for the 49ers. The uncertain cash value keeps the grade gap narrow.