Chicago sent Tom Harmon's rights to Los Angeles on July 20,…
Chicago sent Tom Harmon's rights to Los Angeles on July 20, 1946 for Dante Magnani and Fred Davis; contemporary reporting does not support cash as part of the trade package. Magnani immediately started seven games and helped the 1946 champion Bears, while Davis became a multi-year Chicago tackle and Pro Bowl selection. That two-player return gives Chicago the stronger hindsight result.
Chicago Bears Received
- player Dante Magnani
- player Fred Davis (Lee)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Tom Harmon (a)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On July 20, 1946, Los Angeles acquired Tom Harmon from Chicago for halfback Dante Magnani and tackle Fred Davis. Contemporary Associated Press reporting names those two players as the consideration and does not identify cash as part of the trade package. Removing the unsupported cash component leaves a clean three-player exchange between the Bears and the newly relocated Rams.
Chicago Bears Return
Chicago received Magnani and Davis. Magnani played 10 games and started seven for the 1946 Bears, rushing for 277 yards and adding 156 receiving yards as Chicago won the NFL championship. Davis also started seven games that season and remained with the Bears through 1951. His longer Chicago tenure included a Pro Bowl selection. Combining immediate title-season production with durable line service supports a B+ for the Bears.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Los Angeles received Harmon, the former Heisman Trophy winner whose rights Chicago controlled. Harmon played two seasons for the Rams, appearing in 22 games with four starts. He rushed for 542 yards, caught 15 passes for 288 yards, scored six rushing/receiving touchdowns, and also contributed on returns and defense. That was useful versatility, but the short stay and limited starting role keep the Rams at C+.
Value in Hindsight
The documented package favors Chicago because both incoming Bears created tangible value. Magnani contributed to the 1946 championship team immediately, while Davis supplied multiple seasons on the offensive line. Harmon was productive in several phases for Los Angeles, so this was not a one-sided failure, but two Rams seasons did not match the combined depth and longevity Chicago obtained from the actual two-player return.
Final Verdict
Chicago Bears Win. The Bears receive a B+ for Magnani's championship-season work and Davis's sustained line contribution. Los Angeles receives a C+ for two useful but comparatively brief Harmon seasons. The verdict follows the documented player-for-player package; no cash is credited because the contemporary account supports Magnani and Davis as the consideration.