Here in Chicago we’ve seen it every time; when someone becomes Abp. of the Diocese of Chicago they get a biretta at the next Conclave. Our current Abp’s prececessor died, so I don’t remember if there was a “wait for your predecessor to age out” issue.
I think you meant “consistory” not conclave.
Yeah, the last several Chicago archbishops died in office. The other commenters are right—Gomez can’t become a cardinal as long as Mahoney is alive or under 80.