The Chicago Bears, now 4-4, are approaching the trade deadline in just 24 hours. A few weeks ago, many believed the Bears would be buyers at this point. However, the NFL is unpredictable, and since their bye week, the Bears have struggled to match their once promising momentum. They had a three-game winning streak that raised morale, even though the wins were against weaker teams. But following a heartbreaking loss to the Commanders and a blowout by the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, the Bears momentum has taken a serious hit. Once expected to be buyers and add talent at the deadline, the Bears may now be better off selling assets they don’t plan to retain.
One name in focus is star veteran WR Keenan Allen. The Bears acquired Allen in the offseason for just a fourth-round pick, a move praised around the league. However, only eight games in, the trade hasn’t met expectations, and the “gamble” has been a disappointment so far.
Father time looks to be catching up to Keenan Allen.
The Bears chose not to pursue an extension with Keenan Allen after the trade acquisition. When they acquired Montez Sweat, a new deal was immediately reached, which made sense given their different stages in their careers. So far, Allen’s performance halfway through the season hasn’t provided the Bears with a strong reason to change that stance and bring him back for 2025. He’s missed two games already, recorded just 21 receptions for only 197 yards (ranking 126th in the NFL), and scored 2 touchdowns—both of which came in one game against the Jaguars.
The Bears will likely let Allen walk in free agency, so it could be wise to explore trading him at the deadline. Another team might be desperate enough to offer a draft pick, and with rookie Rome Odunze showing improvement each week, it could be better to give him more opportunities rather than forcing targets to Allen, which offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has done in stretches this season.
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Additionally, Cole Kmet has seen only one target in the two games since the bye week, which raises more concerns about underutilizing him. Shifting some of Allen’s targets to Kmet could better involve him in the offense. The decision is straightforward: either keep Allen, reducing opportunities for Rome, DJ Moore, and Kmet, only to let him leave in free agency, or GM Ryan Poles can leverage potential trade-deadline desperation to get value in return.
The Bears also have other tradeable assets, like RB Khalil Herbert, who currently sits third on the depth chart. With the Bears likely considering themselves sellers at the deadline, they should aim to add more picks to an already strong 2025 draft arsenal, which will likely focus heavily on strengthening both offensive and defensive lines.
@BearDownTX — All your excuses are of no value on the football field. I refer to PFF grades, stats and measurements because they represent published evaluations, league-recognized stats and metrics that are unavailable to most fans — rather than rely upon personal opinion and delusion. As far as “drops” are concerned– they are a negative for any player. But watch his progress through the season — as you should with.any player (Tyler Scott included). Why don’t you prioritize the stats you think are the most important for an NFL WR? AAV, Age, INT, Fumbles, TDs, 1stDs — How would you… Read more »
Latest trade rumors: two sites say WR Moore to Chargers possible.
Almost like clockwork! @TGena hiding behind PFF stats once again! Don’t you think it is worth mentioning that Mooney has a better QB throwing him the ball this year than he did last year, or would this year with a rookie? Don’t you think drops are a huge stat? You used, too, when you talked bout Scott as a pass-dropping machine when they drafted him. One drop from Mooney, I know for certain, cost the Falcons a win, as it was a prime-time game. Has Mooney been better this year? Yes! But that is because he has a far superior… Read more »
For those of you who don’t “miss Darnell Mooney” here are some PFF grades. Spotrac financial data and good old fashioned football stats. _______ PFF WR Rank and OFF grades ▪︎ Darnell Mooney, #32 — 74.2 ▪︎ DJ Moore, #58 — 67.0 ▪︎. Rome Odunze, #82 — 62.7 ▪︎. Keenan, #90 — 60.2. Statistics ▪︎ DJ ▪︎ Allen ▪︎ Rome ▪︎ Mooney Games ____ 8 ____ 8 ____ 8 ____ 8 Targets __ 58 __ 38 ____ 43 ___ 64 Catches__ 37 __ 21 ____ 25 ___ 41 Catch %__ 64% __55% __ 58% __ 64% Yards ___ 374 __… Read more »
I’m waiting one more week before I decide if I want Poles gone. Right now, I’m scared a new GM will just flush everything AGAIN because George won’t demand a guy with a plan to build on what’s here already. That means Caleb gone, too. But, if Caleb is going to keep getting sacked like a rag doll, and if this team is allowed to just keep doing “business as usual” again for another week, what’s the point? Poles needs to LEAD or get out of the way. I’m betting we get business as usual, and no real changes. We’ll… Read more »