Chicago Bears: The top 5 worst trades in franchise history
By Ryan Heckman
The Chicago Bears trade a costly draft pick for quarterback Mike Phipps
Back in the late 60’s, Mike Phipps became a Purdue legend. He would cement himself as one of the greats in Boilermaker history. He was one of those guys to establish himself as a true dual-threat quarterback back in the day.
Phipps ended up going third overall in the 1970 draft to the Cleveland Browns.
To say Phipps did not live up to his draft stock would be an understatement. Somehow, though, he ended up with an 11-year career in the NFL.
After the 1976 season, Phipps was dealt to the Bears for a first and a fourth-round pick. Ultimately, that Browns first rounder was used to draft Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome.
Phipps would go on to play in Chicago for a total of five seasons and throw for a combined 2,806 yards, 15 touchdowns and 27 interceptions in 20 total starts.
To summarize, the Bears traded away a pick that turned into a Hall of Fame player in exchange for just another Chicago quarterback. That hurts.