Chicago Bears: Ranking the 5 greatest trades in team history

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CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 16: Brandon Marshall #15 of the Chicago Bears catches a touchdown pass over Josh Robinson #21 of the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter of a game at Soldier Field on November 16, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

The Chicago Bears have a history of making bold trades from time to time. Not all of them have worked out, but some have spectacularly.

It’s always a fun trip down memory lane trying to determine what the best of the best moves were and how they impacted the franchise and its future. There were plenty of candidates to choose from but not all of them could make the list. So before getting into the five best ever, one must pay respects to some of the other great moves this team has made over the years.

Honorable Mentions:

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Brandon Marshall – He might not be the most popular man in Chicago these days for obvious reasons. However, nobody can argue that for two seasons the Marshall trade was a resounding success. For two 3rd round picks the Bears got an All-Pro receiver at his best, delivering one of the most dynamic passing attacks this franchise has ever had.

Sherrick McManis – People don’t remember that McManis has been around since 2012. He’s the longest-tenured player on the team and one of the best special teams aces in football. What everyone forgets is how the team got him. They traded Tyler Clutts, a fullback who is now out of football, for his rights. That’s a big-time steal.

Jeff Graham – A 5th round pick. That’s what the Steelers asked for to give up Graham to the Bears. They had no idea they were surrendering a receiver that would eventually post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in the mid-1990s including a 1,300-yard explosion in 1995. Injuries eventually slowed him but for a good three-year stretch he was a joy to watch.

Willie Gault – The speed threat of the 1985 Bears. He was never the offensive showcase, but Gault always gave them a big play when they needed it. Trading a 2nd round pick in 1982 for a 1st rounder in 1983 from Tampa Bay proved a fruitful risk as he became their best wide receiver during that decade.

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