Phil Perry, the New England Patriots beat reporter for NBC Sports Boston, broke the news early Thursday that the Chicago Bears were involved in trade discussions with the Patriots for edge rusher Matthew Judon. Ultimately, the Patriots traded Judon to the Falcons on Wednesday in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. According to Perry, several teams, including the Bears, showed interest in the 32-year-old, with the Bears reportedly offering a third-round pick as well. This report suggests that the Bears are confident in their potential for success in 2024.
Ryan Poles is ready to make some noise.
Here are my key takeaways from the Bears heavy involvement in trade talks with the Patriots:
Ryan Poles is clearly in “win now” mode and believes the team has a strong chance of making the playoffs.
The Patriots decision to choose the Falcons third-round pick suggests that teams hold the Bears in high regard. It implies that the Patriots see Chicago as the better team compared to Atlanta, which is impressive considering the Falcons offseason roster improvements.
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Poles likely has a backup plan and is eyeing additional moves in the trade market. It seems likely that he has edge rusher as the primary target in mind, and it’s only a matter of time before he makes another move.
@Dr. Melhus — Ryan Poles has missed plenty of NFL FA and veteran talent this year. But. . . there’s always Yannick Ngakoue, I suppose — in free agency. That’s not great — but you know how jealous I am over draft picks. Montez Sweat’s contract obviously was worth a 2nd-round pick — the player certainly is. But, I would have been happier with the Bears paying Sweat, Josh Hines-Allen money ($28.5 million per year) than losing a 2nd (or even a 3rd) round 2024 draft pick. However, with Ryan Poles making selections like the incapacitated Amegadjie, at #75 —… Read more »
@TGena: If not overpaying for an old DE coming off a season ending injury is getting your lunch eaten, then Poles should have his lunch eaten regularly.
Personally, I would have only been marginally OK with a third, would have preferred a 4th, but the Bears don’t have one, they have Austin Booker, who I’m speculating will be approximately as impactful as Judon this year, and much more so going forward.
GM, Ryan Poles has really got the concept of “timing the market” down.
Unfortunately, his seems clearly to be a “down the drain” application.
Ryan — your lunch has been eaten AGAIN!
Scooby- No way is he worth a 3rd at his age and what money he will be demanding! Obviously it’s more than a great organization like the patriots are willing to pay. At 33 injuries are going to come. We have a possible really good youthful DL that we still need to see. They sure showed out against Buffalo! We still have salary cap cuts and a trade deadline coming that could produce better production at a better rate and younger that we aren’t going to be locked into. Obviously different views on this but this is how I see… Read more »
I’m force fed Patriots games here, and Judon is worth a 3rd round pick.
How much of it is buyers market? Teams with changes in organization, NE and LAC (Keenan). For the price, take advantage. Poles did the same thing when he came on board.