Chicago acquired veteran linebacker Rod Shoate from New…
Chicago acquired veteran linebacker Rod Shoate from New England in April 1982 for a 1983 fifth-round pick, but Shoate was released by the Bears before the regular season and never played a game for them. New England used No. 118 on defensive end Smiley Creswell, who did not appear for the Patriots and played only three NFL games elsewhere. With essentially no team-specific return on either side, the trade grades evenly at the bottom.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Rod Shoate
New England Patriots Received
- pick 1983 fifth round pick (#118-Smiley Creswell)
Trade Analysis
Why Chicago Added Shoate
The Bears acquired veteran linebacker Rod Shoate from New England on April 28, 1982 for a future fifth-round pick. Shoate had been a productive Patriot, including several seasons with significant pass-rush production, so Chicago was taking a reasonable chance on an experienced defender during Mike Ditka's first year.
What Chicago Received
The move never reached the regular season. Historical transaction records show the Bears released Shoate on September 6, 1982. He did not appear in a regular-season game for Chicago, leaving the club with no direct playing value from the veteran it acquired.
How New England Used the Pick
The Patriots used the resulting No. 118 selection in the 1983 draft on defensive end Smiley Creswell. Creswell did not appear in a regular-season game for New England. His entire NFL career amounted to three games in 1985, split elsewhere, with no starts.
Why Neither Side Wins
Chicago lost the future fifth-round asset without receiving a regular-season contribution. New England successfully converted a player it was ready to move into a draft choice, but the selected player likewise provided no Patriots production. Even the low acquisition cost did not generate usable roster value. There is no meaningful team-specific result to separate the two sides.
Final Verdict
Both teams earn a D. The Bears' gamble on Shoate ended before the season, while the Patriots' acquired pick failed to become a contributor. Because neither organization received usable regular-season value, the fairest result is an Even Trade rather than forcing a winner from two empty outcomes.