Everybody is talking about Odell Beckham Jr. these days. That’s no surprise. It’s not every day a player of his caliber goes on the trade block. The star wide receiver is in hot water with the New York Giants management. So much to the point that GM Dave Gettleman is seriously listening to offers. Thus far the feeling is Beckham isn’t going anyway, but that hasn’t stopped the Chicago Bears trade rumor machine from whirling.
How can GM Ryan Pace just sit back and not consider this? Imagine the possibility of pairing Beckham with Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel. Mitch Trubisky could set the league on fire. Sure, it’s a nice dream. Unfortunately, the cost would be immense and the Bears aren’t yet in a position to make such an aggressive blockbuster move.
That said, this doesn’t mean they can’t take advantage of certain opportunities to serve their own aims. Part of pulling off a successful trade is pinpointing a talented player who might be available and see if you can get him at a favorable price. Often what plays a role in this are two factors: an injury history and an expiring contract. There is one name that stands out whom the Bears could explore.
Chicago Bears trade gurus should explore the Shane Ray situation
One name that isn’t getting much attention is Denver Broncos edge rusher, Shane Ray. It’s understandable. He’s not exactly the teams’ top priority at this point but the former first round pick will be soon enough. GM John Elway has a big decision coming up on whether to use the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. Otherwise, Ray will be a free agent in 2019.
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Tim Lynch of the Mile High Report stated back in February that it would not be wise for the Broncos to do so.
“This will be Ray’s make or break year with the Broncos. If I were the Broncos, I would not exercise the 5th year option on Ray’s contract at this point. He hasn’t earned it or shown the ability to add to his game. Instead, they should look to extend Shaquil Barrett this season and move forward from there.”
One can understand the frustration. Most expected Ray to break out in 2017. He had eight sacks and played every game the year before. Instead, he missed eight games with injury and had just one sack all year. It’s getting to the point where people are fed up waiting for the 24-year old to turn the corner.
Shane Ray beats the drum before winning with hand placement & walking his blocker back to the QB! #Broncos pic.twitter.com/2M566AYrjR
— DLineVids (@DLineVids) December 14, 2017
Elway is no stranger to making trades. He’s already made a handful this off-season. If the sense that Ray isn’t working out in this new defensive system, he won’t hesitate to ship the edge rusher out. Chicago has desperate need of help at that position. Ray comes with a degree of risk but he’s shown in recent history that he can be dangerous going after the quarterback. If Ryan Pace times the situation right, he might be able to make a deal at a favorable price.
