The Chicago Bears 2018 plans have started off on the standard procedure. They’ve gone about the business of unloading players that are no longer part of their future plans. Josh Sitton, Jerrell Freeman, Pernell McPhee and Quintin Demps are out thus far. Names like Mike Glennon and Markus Wheaton are expected to join them sooner than later. Yet some people have an eerie feeling.
Sort of that cliche “calm before the storm” feeling. It’s important to remember that a new coaching staff is in charge. Typically when this happens there is an outbreak of unexpected movement. Not just cuts, free agency or the draft either. Quite often there are some trades mixed in. One that the previous regime never would’ve signed off on.
Take the Los Angeles Rams for example. They shifted coaches in 2017. Outside of the draft, they made four different trades including a blockbuster to get Sammy Watkins from Buffalo. Could GM Ryan Pace, notorious for his somewhat conservative approach to trades outside the draft, flip the switch this year?
Chicago Bears 2018 game plan may involve dealing for a wide receiver
Trades often can take shape and dissipate quickly. They’re hard to predict because they can happen with almost no warning. Intention to trade though? That’s a different story. I spoke to a source who told me the Bears are thinking aggressively this spring. They want to hit the ground fast at wide receiver in hopes of finding Mitch Trubisky better weapons. A bold trade might be the perfect solution.
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There are even some names in the mix.
“The Bears believe they have to make a trade for a wide receiver. The names I’ve been given are Emmanuel Sanders, Demaryius Thomas, Martavis Bryant, Tyler Lockett, and John Ross.”
The first initial reaction is surprise. Namely that Jarvis Landry, who is widely known to be available in Miami, isn’t on that list. Then again it shouldn’t be. Pace is a bargain hunter. He loves to seek out cheaper options on the market in hopes of maximizing their abilities in a system that fits them. Landry, being a two-time Pro Bowler, will be expensive. The names on the list above won’t be for various reasons.
Lockett stands out as the most interesting option
Sanders and Thomas are veteran options out of Denver. They’re both in their 30s now and will come with hefty contracts. The Bears would be gambling that they have gas left in the tank. Bryant is a tall deep threat from Pittsburgh. He’s lived most of his career in the shadow of Antonio Brown and wants a bigger role in the offense. He’s got ability but he’s also got baggage.
As for Ross, he’s the speed demon who broke the scouting combine record with a blistering 4.22 in the 40-yard dash. He was also a productive target at Washington. Yet he was a complete wash his first year in Cincinnati. For whatever reason the coaches refused to play him, leaving some to wonder if he was hurt or had an attitude problem. Now his future there is unknown. The most intriguing name on that list is Lockett.
Why is that? A few reasons. For starters, the Seattle Seahawks may be in selling mode. Their once vaunted core is aging quickly and it looks like a fire sale could be imminent. This means they might seek out deals for draft picks. Seattle is no stranger to trading, but why Lockett? Namely, because he’s not a featured part of their offense and he’s entering the final year of his rookie contract. This could be their last chance to get something for him.
From the Bears’ perspective, he could bring a ton of value. Lockett is the type of receiver who would thrive in the Matt Nagy offense. A sharp route runner with speed and after-the-catch running ability. If they wanted somebody who could fill that Tyreek Hill role, Lockett wouldn’t be the worst choice. Odds are he’d come fairly cheap, somewhere around a fourth round pick. The Bears have two at their disposal. He turns 26 in September.
