New York acquired guard-center Bob Hyland and veteran…
New York acquired guard-center Bob Hyland and veteran cornerback Bennie McRae from Chicago for its 1972 first-round pick, which became No. 3 overall and Lionel Antoine. Hyland gave the Giants several years of line service, while McRae's New York stint was brief. Chicago secured elite draft position, and even Antoine's modest career does not erase the premium value New York surrendered.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 1972 first-round pick, No. 3 overall (Lionel Antoine)
New York Giants Received
- player Bob Hyland
- player Bennie McRae
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
On September 13, 1971, the Bears traded Bob Hyland and Bennie McRae to the New York Giants for the Giants' first-round pick in the 1972 draft. New York's poor 1971 finish pushed that selection all the way to No. 3 overall, where Chicago chose offensive tackle Lionel Antoine.
Why New York Made the Deal
The Giants were trying to improve a veteran roster immediately rather than wait for another draft. Hyland could play center and guard, while McRae arrived with nine seasons of experience and a strong interception record in Chicago. In the moment, two proven players addressed more than one roster need.
What New York Received
Hyland became the more durable part of the return and remained with the Giants for multiple seasons. McRae appeared in only eight games in 1971 before his New York tenure ended. The combined contribution was useful but never transformational, especially once the cost of the trade became a top-three draft pick.
What Chicago Received
The Bears captured enormous draft leverage. Antoine did not develop into a long-term star, which limits how high Chicago's hindsight grade can climb. Still, obtaining the No. 3 overall choice for two veterans gave the Bears a premium asset with much greater roster-building value than the package New York ultimately realized.
Final Verdict
Chicago receives a B- because the club won the capital exchange even though Antoine's career prevented the selection from becoming a home run. New York receives a C: Hyland supplied legitimate service, but the Giants paid too much for a return that lacked high-end impact. The Bears win on the value of the asset acquired.
Hyland provided New York useful line service, while Chicago converted two veterans into the third overall selection and preserved substantially more premium draft value, overall across the seasons that followed for both clubs.