The Chicago Bears are 2-2 at the quarter mark of the 2022 season. That is probably better than a lot of people expect. It offers hope they might be able to surprise some teams in the coming weeks. Then again, having watched their offense during that time it isn’t easy to imagine them winning many more games. Their upcoming schedule gets particularly brutal, with the high-powered Vikings up next, followed closely by defensively-driven New England and Dallas.
It isn’t hard to imagine this team could be 2-6 by the end of October. If that happens, GM Ryan Poles will be faced with a dilemma. What does he do at the trade deadline? Either he tries to make a move that can reverse his team’s fortunes, or he gets an early start on 2023 by stockpiling draft picks. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune gave a not-so-subtle hint at where it could be trending.
“This is not the season to be an aggressive buyer when it comes to trades. I could see the Bears being an aggressive seller, but I’m not sure who they have to deal. It’s something to keep an eye on the next few weeks.”
A continued slide may force Chicago Bears to focus on 2023
Robert Quinn
The defensive end has said he’d prefer not to get traded since he likes what the Bears are trying to build and doesn’t want to move his family again. However, the demand for solid pass rushers never fades in the NFL. Multiple teams would have interest in Quinn. The Rams, Steelers, and Cardinals all have problems at edge rusher. One of them may not mind giving up a 3rd to 5th round pick for his services.
Roquan Smith
It seems the scheme change did bother Smith much. The Chicago Bears have watched him rack up 46 tackles, an interception, and a half sack through the first four games. He’s on pace for 195 tackles this season. The guy remains one of the best off-the-ball linebackers in the game. It remains unclear whether the team thinks they can sign him long-term. If not, then trading him at the deadline might make sense.
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Eddie Jackson
This might sound counterintuitive, considering the safety is finally back to his All-Pro form. Jackson has three interceptions in four games and is playing some of his best football. Yet that is the exact reason to consider it. The art of any business strategy is to sell while the value is high. Jackson turns 29 years old in December. The Bears likely may not be good for another couple of years. If another team is willing to pay a healthy package for the resurgent safety, Poles must think on it.
Teven Jenkins
This will anger plenty of fans considering Jenkins has been arguably their most consistent blocker on the offensive line since the season began. He’s allowed two total pressures on the quarterback and is a solid run blocker. Yet the Bears still refuse to start him full-time. That speaks to ongoing issues between him and the coaching staff. If true, his standout play might be enough to garner interest from teams seeking O-line help.
Why does Jenkins name come up in these. Quinn really is the only one unless they know they are not going to pay Roquan.
Player by Player trade?
Robert Quinn? Absolutely! Old and seemingly back to pre 2021 level.
Roquan? No because his age is good and preforming well
Jackson? Yes, he’s not as good as 3 interceptions look. Plus he is poor tackling!
Jenkins? Hell no! He is already perhaps the cornerstone of the line going forward!
Quinn and Jackson are replaceable in 23
Trade, Whitehair not Teven. Trade E.J. & Quinn if the deal is good. Roquan could get a high pick. Couple others that might be possible 🤔.
Yep. Don’t get rid of Jenkins. And see if Leatherwood will fit at left guard. Draft a center and see at the end of the year if there is a need to draft tackles.
You can get linebackers later in the draft. Get what you can for Smith and Quinn and draft accordingly.
I would move any of the older guys plus Montgomery. I would be pissed if they trade away TJ because he should be part of the rebuild. I think with Quinn it really must be a great deal. We don’t have much going on the D-Line and it would be a morale killer to lose Quinn so please don’t just take a 5th on Quinn. Roquan and EJ are prime trade bait in a regime change. Sorry, but that’s just the way the ball bounces.