Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace has made it clear a number of times already that he doesn’t fear making trades. Even minor ones. Not if it could upgrade his roster in some meaningful fashion. However, it’s been a long time since he pulled one of the more overlooked types of deals out there: a player-for-player transaction. The last time this happened was all the way back in 2015, his first year. That’s when he sent offensive lineman Ryan Groy to New England for linebacker Matthew Wells.
The move was inconsequential to both teams and Pace hasn’t tried anything like it since. That said, it’s possible he may try it again this year. Chicago has a number of players on their roster bubble who might fetch a decent return if traded. It’s a matter of determining who they might be and where they could draw some interest. After doing some research, one name that has stuck out is inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski.
The former 4th round pick has remained a steady and reliable backup over the past three seasons. He’s also started 14 games with 102 tackles and three sacks. His calling card in that time was a strong presence against the run. The reason he hasn’t become a starter though? He’s a liability in coverage. Several times he’s been picked on by opposing tight ends or running backs in the passing game.
This is why the Bears drafted not one but two athletic inside linebackers last year in Roquan Smith and Joel Iyiegbuniwe. This combined with the surprise emergence of second-year man Josh Woods has put Kwiatkoski’s roster security in question. Hence why he can be considered trade bait.
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Chicago Bears could get help a needier position via trade
So who might have an interest in somebody like Kwiatkoski? One team that stands out is the Baltimore Ravens. They run a 3-4 defense just like Chicago and their inside linebacker position took a massive hit with the departure of C.J. Mosley in free agency. Not only is their starting lineup in question. Their depth is too. Kwiatkoski, with his experience and added special teams value would look like an underrated addition.
So what could they offer in return? That would be outside linebacker Shane Ray. The former Denver Broncos 1st round pick signed with them as a free agent this spring in hopes of becoming a regular part of their rotations. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic though, those odds are getting pretty long.
“The former Denver Broncos player has had a few good practices, but the consistency hasn’t been there. The Ravens aren’t going to cut rookie third-round pick Jaylon Ferguson and Matthew Judon, Pernell McPhee, Bowser and Tim Williams all are ahead of Ray right now. Keeping six outside linebackers is a stretch. Ray needs a big preseason.”
Ray has a half sack and a QB hit through two games this preseason.
That’s in 21 pass rush snaps. It’s unclear whether that’s enough to improve his chances at this point. If not, the Bears have good reason to consider him. Their own depth at outside linebacker is far more questionable. Outside of Aaron Lynch, nobody else stands out as someone who can get a good rush against starting NFL tackles. Isaiah Irving had one sack last year. Kylie Fitts had zero.
Right now James Vaughters, a free agent from Canada, looks like their best hope. Not exactly reassuring. Ray has dealt with injury issues throughout his career, but when healthy he’s shown he can make quarterbacks uncomfortable. He had eight sacks in 2016 and is still only 26-years old. There is no question he would be considered an upgrade for their #4 outside linebacker spot.
