Cincinnati acquired tackle Rufus Mayes from Chicago on…
Cincinnati acquired tackle Rufus Mayes from Chicago on January 21, 1970 for defensive linemen Bill Staley and Harry Gunner. Mayes became a long-term Bengals starter, playing 110 games with 98 starts over nine seasons. Chicago still received useful value: Staley started and produced as a pass rusher, while Gunner appeared in all 14 games in 1970. The Bears’ return was legitimate, but Mayes’ durability gives Cincinnati the clear long-term edge.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Bill Staley
- player Harry Gunner
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- player Rufus Mayes
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Chicago traded offensive tackle Rufus Mayes to Cincinnati on January 21, 1970, receiving defensive tackle Bill Staley and defensive end Harry Gunner. The Bengals’ historical record and Bears material agree on the three-player structure. Mayes had been Chicago’s first-round pick in 1969, so Cincinnati was acquiring a young former premium selection after only one Bears season.
What Cincinnati Received
Mayes became the centerpiece of the deal by a wide margin in longevity. He appeared in 110 regular-season games for Cincinnati over nine seasons and started 98 of them. He moved between guard and tackle early before settling into a long run at left tackle. For a franchise still in its formative years, nearly a decade of offensive-line service from one trade acquisition is substantial value. Mayes was not a decorated superstar, but durable starting linemen who remain with one club for that length of time provide real roster stability.
What Chicago Received
The Bears’ return was better than a simple hindsight bust. Staley became a starter immediately, appearing in 11 games with 11 starts in 1970. Chicago’s 1971 media guide credited him with strong tackle, assist and pass-rush production and described his first Bears season favorably. He remained with Chicago through 1972. Gunner also appeared in all 14 games in 1970 and supplied defensive-line depth, though that was his final NFL season. Together they gave Chicago useful short-term defensive value.
Final Verdict
Cincinnati wins because Mayes supplied nine seasons and 98 starts, a level of sustained value the Bears’ two-player return could not match. Chicago still deserves a B- because Staley was a legitimate starter and Gunner contributed for a full season; this was not a giveaway. The Bengals earn B+ for acquiring a long-term offensive-line fixture. The outcome is a clear Cincinnati win, but the Bears’ meaningful short-term return keeps the grade spread reasonable.