People hoping for a big blockbuster trade of some kind from the Chicago Bears by the end of the month should hold their breath. One thing about GM Ryan Pace that has become clear at this point. He’s not prone to making a move during the season. He’s only done so once in his five years running the franchise. That was a deadline deal to get wide receiver Dontrell Inman from the Los Angeles Chargers for a conditional 7th round pick. One that ended up not being met.
Suffice to say if there is a move Pace aims to make, it would undoubtedly be of the very (very) cheap variety. Something he thinks can help the team at a necessary spot but not break the bank in terms of future assets. Keeping this in mind, what could the Bears possibly go after? Most would point a finger at the offensive line given Kyle Long just went on injured reserve. This is a fair assessment, but likely not an area they’d focus.
More likely it would be the tight ends.
Through five games, that position has woefully underachieved. Between Trey Burton, Adam Shaheen, J.P. Holtz and Ben Braunecker, the group has compiled a grand total of 22 catches for 154 yards. Just for an idea? Allen Robinson, by himself, has 31 catches for 377 yards. That should illustrate how inferior the position is right now for the Bears. It’s also why they frantically been adding new bodies.
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Ryan Pace needs somebody who will go get the ball
Between the main roster and the practice squad, the Bears currently employ no less than seven tight ends. This should paint a clear enough picture of how desperate they are to get something out of that position. They’ve tried the draft and tried free agency. Both have not worked out as hoped. So why not dabble in the trade market. One team they should look to for this? The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Now when that franchise is mentioned, most fans will immediately gravitate to O.J. Howard. Indeed the former 1st round pick has seemed criminally underused so far this season, which often makes for perfect trade rumors. However, he’d cost way too much for the Bears anyway. No. Their target is further down the depth chart. A young second-year kid by the name of Tanner Hudson.
Don’t remember the name? That’s okay.
Hudson began his college career at Memphis as a quarterback and punter. However, he soon transferred to Southern Arkansas where he switched to wide receiver and eventually tight end. It was a wise move on his part. During his final two years in college, he had 1,387 receiving yards with 15 touchdown catches. His combination of 6’5 size and solid speed stood out. This enabled him to sign as an undrafted free agent with the Bucs. After a quiet rookie year on the practice squad, he took a huge step forward this summer.
Hudson dominated the NFL preseason with 19 catches for 245 yards and three touchdowns. It was enough for him to make the final roster where he’s been ever since. Doing nothing as it turns out. Hudson hasn’t logged a single snap in any of the first six games and is currently the fourth tight end on the depth chart. If the Buccaneers aren’t interested in using Howard all that much, then do they have much purpose keeping Hudson where he is?
This is why a trade idea works for the Bears. He could be had for really cheap since Tampa Bay signed him as a college free agent. Perhaps even the same conditions Pace got Inman for two years ago. One thing is for sure. It can’t hurt to try since nobody else on the roster seems to be seizing the moment thus far.
