Chicago acquired the rights to Bill Patterson, who reported…
Chicago acquired the rights to Bill Patterson, who reported and provided meaningful backfield and passing work during the 1939 season. His Bears contribution was not a long-term centerpiece, but it gave Chicago immediate offensive utility from the exchange. Compared with Sam Francis' brief five-game Pittsburgh tenure before another move, Patterson's larger role gives the Bears a modest advantage.
Chicago Bears Received
- other rights to Bill Patterson / Billy Patterson
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player Sam Francis
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 1939-04-27, Chicago Bears received rights to Bill Patterson / Billy Patterson, while Pittsburgh Steelers received Sam Francis. The evaluation follows the football value actually created by the consideration each club controlled. When an acquired pick was later moved again, that later transaction is treated separately rather than automatically credited as player production from this exchange.
Chicago Bears Return
Chicago acquired the rights to Bill Patterson, who reported and provided meaningful backfield and passing work during the 1939 season. His Bears contribution was not a long-term centerpiece, but it gave Chicago immediate offensive utility from the exchange. Compared with Sam Francis' brief five-game Pittsburgh tenure before another move, Patterson's larger role gives the Bears a modest advantage.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Pittsburgh acquired Sam Francis and received only a short stint before moving him again. Francis appeared in five games for the club in 1939, providing some immediate value but not a lasting role. The Steelers therefore did not come away empty-handed, yet Bill Patterson's more substantial Chicago workload during the same season makes Pittsburgh's side slightly weaker in realized football terms.
Value in Hindsight
Pittsburgh acquired Sam Francis for the rights to Bill Patterson. Francis appeared in only five games for Pittsburgh in 1939 before being moved again. Patterson reported to Chicago and provided the Bears meaningful backfield and passing work that season. Both sides received usable value, but Patterson's larger immediate role gives Chicago the edge in the original exchange. The comparison emphasizes direct club service, starting responsibility, production, and retained draft value without overstating later transactions that required additional consideration.
Final Verdict
Chicago Bears receives a B- and Pittsburgh Steelers receives a C. The verdict is Chicago Bears Win. The grade spread reflects the scale of the original transaction and the difference in realized football value, while still giving credit for legitimate depth, draft capital, and short-term service.