The 2017 Chicago Bears free agent class still gives some fans nightmares. Aside from the surprising success of cornerback Prince Amukamara, the class was an utter bust. Mike Glennon flamed out after just four games as the starter. Quintin Demps broke his arm before the season barely began. Markus Wheaton failed to even make five catches. Marcus Cooper put himself on blooper reels forever with his botched field goal return. All of those men have since been released. Only one remains standing.
That is tight end Dion Sims. His survival on the roster is a curious one. He was already supplanted as a starter last season by rookie Adam Shaheen. Since then the Bears added even more finality to his place on the roster by locking up free agent Trey Burton. Most would’ve expected the team would be eager to get that $5.66 million cap relief by cutting him loose.
Except it’s never wise to unload an asset that may bring some value. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears think they might have a limited market to trade Simms.
A Simms trade would soften the blow of 2017 Chicago Bears free agent class
“An NFL source said Wednesday night the Bears are believed to be shopping Sims, a move that surely has a timetable attached to it if the team doesn’t want to be on the hook for that base salary guarantee. They probably can’t get much in return considering Sims’ salary but there’s a shortage of accomplished blocking tight ends on the market and general manager Ryan Pace might find a taker.”
The Bears thought Sims had potential as a receiving threat in addition to his solid blocking ability. They were proven incorrect when he managed just 180 yards and a touchdown in 14 games. He had a frequent problem with dropped passes too. That said he wasn’t helped much by poor scheming by the Bears coaching staff. Another team might feel he could provide more value in a better system.
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Given the contract and other factors, it’s likely the Bears won’t get more than a late round pick for him, and a conditional one at that. Still, getting anything back for him at this point could be considered a minor victory for GM Ryan Pace as the team prepares to move on from the wreckage of 2017. Either way, it’s clear Sims won’t be a Bear for much longer.
