Frustration mounts among Chicago Bears fans as the trade deadline ticks ever closer. Here’s a team that is 5-2 but clearly struggling on offense. They need help at a number of different positions. Yet thus far GM Ryan Pace hasn’t made a move. Fear is growing that he will keep the status quo, hoping the problems sort themselves out enough to still make the playoffs.
That said, it’s not over yet. Chicago still has five days left to make something happen. There could be any number of reasons why they’re waiting. Perhaps Pace wants to take it closer to the deadline to see if prices drop on anybody. He’s always notoriously been a bargain hunter. Teams play one more game this weekend. Maybe a loss for some will finally convince them it’s time to prepare for 2021.
Not a bad strategy but also one that doesn’t always work. If he waits too long, he’ll run out of time to make a deal that helps his team sooner than later. So are there any bargains to be had that would fit his preference? Here are a few that make sense.
Bargain trades the Chicago Bears would likely chew on
5th round pick to Atlanta for OG James Carpenter
If any player makes sense for the Bears from a cost and fit standpoint, it’s Carpenter. He’s been a starting guard in the NFL for a decade and continues to play well for the Falcons. They seem to be a team in transition and are staring down a huge salary cap crunch in 2021. Carpenter has two years left on his current deal at least than $7 million each. Something that would definitely appeal to Chicago who is also cap-strapped. A 5th round pick should be enough to secure the 31-year old and plug him into that gaping hole at left guard.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Sam Darnold dropped a DIME to convert on 3rd and 20 😳
(via @nyjets)pic.twitter.com/62Yh6s4fJP
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 25, 2020
7th round pick to New York (Jets) for WR Braxton Berrios
The Jets are squarely in firesale mode so they’ll listen to any and all offers if it gets them picks. So why should the Bears have interest in a 5’9 former 6th round pick? Berrios is a decent slot receiver who hasn’t been utilized all that well. He’s had a couple of really nice games in 2020 including 64 yards and a touchdown against Indianapolis. More importantly, he has punt returning ability. Berrios finished with 240 yards last season. He would be an instant upgrade over Ted Ginn Jr.
5th round pick to Cincinnati for C Billy Price
Sometimes a fresh start is what a player needs more than anything. Billy Price was a 1st round pick for the Bengals in 2018. Many had him as the top center prospect in the class who also boasts experience at guard. So what happened? Health setbacks mostly. Price tore his pec at the scouting combine then suffered a foot injury during the season that lost him six games. Next came a coaching change and since then he’s bounced in and out of the lineup. Cincinnati recently made two acquisitions on the offensive line, putting his status in question. This is the type of talent that is worth gambling on.
Awesome job by Billy Price against Larry Ogunjobi pic.twitter.com/lWL6ldBuCy
— Matt (@CoachMinich) October 27, 2020
7th round pick to Cincinnati for WR John Ross
Price isn’t the only 1st round pick who could be up for grabs. The Bengals have also lost interest in finding ways to use John Ross as well. He’s already requested a trade and it’s felt he won’t command much. While the Washington product has disappointed in Cincy, the kind of speed he possesses is too rare to ignore. The Bears lack speed on offense outside of Darnell Mooney. Perhaps Nagy and his coaching staff could find ways to get those two the ball in space, easing the pressure on others.
5th round pick to Arizona for WR Andy Isabella
Arizona has a wealth of wide receivers they’re trying to feed. DeAndre Hopkins, Larry Fitzgerald, and Christian Kirk sit at the top. This has made it difficult for the former 2nd round pick to get many looks. That’s a shame too because Isabella has ability. Though just 5’9 he has the sort of speed and quickness that can make him dangerous. The Chicago Bears love receivers of his type and as stated before are looking for more speed on offense. Isabella would bring it.