Chicago traded veteran deep threat Willie Gault to the…
Chicago traded veteran deep threat Willie Gault to the Raiders for a 1989 first-round pick and 1990 third-rounder. The first became cornerback Donnell Woolford, who started 111 games for the Bears, intercepted 32 passes for Chicago, and earned a Pro Bowl selection. The Bears converted an established receiver into a younger long-term defensive starter and additional draft capital.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 1989 first round pick (#11-Donnell Woolford)
- pick 1990 third round pick (#63-Peter Tom Willis)
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player Willie Gault
Trade Analysis
Chicago's decision to trade Willie Gault made sense as a value play. Gault was already 27 and had spent five seasons stretching defenses for the Bears. Los Angeles wanted exactly that speed and paid a substantial price: a 1989 first-round selection and a 1990 third-rounder.
The Raiders did not waste the acquisition. Gault stayed with the franchise through 1993, appeared in 94 games, started 69 and caught 149 passes for 2,985 yards and 17 touchdowns. His 1988 debut season with Los Angeles included 392 receiving yards at an extraordinary 24.5 yards per catch. He remained a dangerous vertical target for years, so grading the Raiders as though they received little value would be unfair.
Chicago nevertheless won because the first-round pick became Donnell Woolford. Selected 11th overall in 1989, Woolford grew into a long-term starting cornerback, earned a Pro Bowl berth and intercepted 32 passes during his Bears tenure. He started 111 games for Chicago and gave the defense years of value after Gault had left. The third-round pick became quarterback Peter Tom Willis, who added little, but Woolford alone made the return substantial.
This is a good example of a trade where the winner did not require the other team to fail. Los Angeles acquired a productive veteran who fit its offense and stayed for six seasons. Chicago turned that veteran into a younger player at a premium defensive position who lasted even longer with the club. The Bears get the slight edge because Woolford's longevity and first-round quality outweighed Gault's productive Raiders run, while both teams remain above average.