GM Ryan Pace is no stranger to the bold move. To this point though he’s saved his exclusively for the NFL draft. He traded up in 2016 for Leonard Floyd and again in 2017 for Mitch Trubisky. He’s yet to attempt such a maneuver for a veteran player from another team. There’s a first time for everything though. It’s fair to wonder if there are any Chicago Bears trade targets out there.
That would be difficult to say. They obviously won’t betray any details as to whom they may or may not be interested in. These cases often require an evaluation of the market and determining certain names that might fit their profile. With that in mind here are a few worth watch and how much it may end up costing to get them.
Jarvis Landry (WR, Miami Dolphins): 2nd round pick
The debate over the value of Landry is fierce. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the best slot receivers in the game. He can be an absolute machine on third down. Players of that type are far more beneficial to a team than in past decades. Then again a lot of his production is somewhat superficial, brought on by a high volume of targets. He’s not what one might call a big-play threat.
Having franchise tagged him, there can be little doubt the Miami Dolphins are seeking a high draft choice for him. He’s 24-years old so a first round pick has to be on the table. Given his dip in production last year and noted icy attitude towards his coaches, that should be enough to lower the price to a second rounder.
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Martavis Bryant (WR, Pittsburgh Steelers): 6th round pick
It remains puzzling why the Steelers didn’t just deal Martavis Bryant last season. His value was still fairly decent. Now with another year off his contract, that value is certain to take a dip. Bryant failed to prove he’s anything resembling a potential #1 receiver in waiting. He’s more of a tall, speedy deep threat whose ceiling is a #2 at best.
Then again the Bears can’t say they have much on their roster that can do what he can. Bryant hasn’t been the focal point of the Pittsburgh offense, living in the shadow of Antonio Brown. Perhaps with more opportunities in Chicago, he could blossom. Whether they’re willing to take the character risk? That’s another question.
Dee Ford (EDGE, Kansas City Chiefs): 4th round pick
It appears the Chiefs are in the middle of a firesale. The off-season has barely begun and already they’ve traded both Alex Smith and Marcus Peters. There’s no reason to think they might not be open to other deals. Dee Ford is an intriguing one. Kansas City can’t afford to unload pass rushers, but at the same time, Ford will be a free agent in 2019.
He’s also had difficulty staying healthy. From the Bears’ perspective, this would be a calculated risk. Ford had 10 sacks in 2016 so he has the capability of being a quality pass rusher and fits their 3-4 scheme. They badly need somebody opposite Leonard Floyd. A 4th round pick would be an acceptable gamble.
Muhammad Wilkerson (DE, New York Jets): 6th round pick
Having already unloaded Sheldon Richardson, it appears Muhammad Wilkerson is next for the New York Jets to deal. He has been the same since his outstanding 2015 season when he had 12 sacks. Some wonder if he lost his edge after getting his massive contract. It’s a fair criticism, yet at age 28 there is still time for Wilkerson to rebound.
Chicago is flush with cap space and is eager to upgrade their defense however possible. Vic Fangio is notorious for elevating veteran defensive linemen. It’s hard not to get excited about the idea of pairing Wilkerson with Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman.
Eli Apple (CB, New York Giants): 4th round pick
Four of the top Bears cornerbacks will be on the market this March unless Pace works fast to lock them up, especially Kyle Fuller. There’s a chance they may lose one or two of them though. This could force Pace to think aggressively about finding help. The Giants are almost certain to be shopping former first rounder Eli Apple.
There’s a reason for that. Apple had a major falling out with the coaching staff this past season. It got so bad that he was suspended by the team and he fired back on Twitter. Teammate Landon Collins hinted it was a maturity issue. Apple turns 23 this year so that makes sense. Typically the Bears prefer to avoid players who can be a locker room distraction, but Matt Nagy is no stranger to dealing with outspoken personalities.
Ask Travis Kelce in Kansas City. Fangio is also familiar with such issues. It’s not hard to imagine those two find a way to deal with the young corner. If they can, the Bears score a potential long-term starter for pennies.
