Chicago acquired John Siegal from Brooklyn in 1939 and…
Chicago acquired John Siegal from Brooklyn in 1939 and received a five-season Bear who became a three-time Pro Bowler and played on the 1940, 1941 and 1943 NFL championship teams. Brooklyn received Gust Zarnas, who appeared in only four games with two starts before being released during the season. The documented outcomes make the hindsight verdict decisively favor Chicago.
Brooklyn Dodgers Received
- player Gust Zarnas
Chicago Bears Received
- player John Siegal
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
The 1939 transaction sent end John Siegal to Chicago and lineman Gust Zarnas to Brooklyn. Historical team and league records identify the players as John Siegal and Gust Zarnas, establishing a direct player-for-player exchange.
Chicago Bears Return
Chicago received an exceptional result for a minor player swap. The Bears' own history credits Siegal with a five-year career entirely in Chicago: 43 games, 16 starts, 31 receptions, 637 yards and six touchdowns. More importantly, he earned three Pro Bowl selections, in 1940, 1941 and 1942, and was part of NFL championship teams in 1940, 1941 and 1943. That combination of longevity, honors and championship contribution supports an A.
Brooklyn Dodgers Return
Brooklyn's return was brief. Historical roster records credit Zarnas with four games and two starts for the Dodgers in 1939 before he was released in October and continued the season with Green Bay. He therefore supplied some immediate line play, but not sustained value. A D+ acknowledges the four appearances without treating a short stay as a meaningful long-term return.
Value in Hindsight
The current Brooklyn-win verdict does not survive the documented outcomes. Siegal became a decorated multi-year Bear and contributed during one of the franchise's defining championship stretches. Zarnas's Brooklyn tenure lasted only a portion of one season. The gap is visible in games, duration, honors and team success.
Final Verdict
Chicago Bears Win. Chicago earns A for five seasons, three Pro Bowls and three championship-team seasons from Siegal. Brooklyn earns D+ for four games and two starts from Zarnas. The documented player identities and their subsequent production make the result clear for both acquiring teams.