The Chicago Bears usually don’t make moves at the trade deadline. The last time they did was in 2017 when they dealt for wide receiver Dontrelle Inman. Things have gone quiet since then. Now with the team 2-4 and facing a brutal stretch of games, most believe the likelihood is high that GM Ryan Poles will try unloading any veterans on the roster that may have value to other teams seeking help. The rebuild is ongoing, and draft picks are required to make it work.
As always, it depends on the market, and the perceived value of players Poles is willing to make available. That isn’t what anybody can say for sure. Currently, there is a consensus that at least one name on the defensive side of the ball is up for grabs. However, Kevin Patras of NFL.com thinks there is a serious possibility three others might be in play. Much of it could depend on how they perform in the next eight days.
That and which teams are buying.
“Ryan Poles took over a mess of a roster and remains early in his rebuild. The next phase could include shipping out veterans who aren’t in his long-term plans. Robert Quinn is the biggest name to watch after offseason trade rumors. The 32-year-old has only one sack this season, but he showed he still had juice in 2021, posting 18.5 QB takedowns. With no guaranteed money after this season, he could be viewed as a mercenary edge rusher for a playoff contender in need. Likewise, veteran safety Eddie Jackson has no guaranteed money left on his deal beyond this season, and secondary-needy clubs could come calling for the ballhawk.
Running back David Montgomery is in the final year of his rookie contract and could be moved with Khalil Herbert waiting in the wings. Then there is Roquan Smith, who is also in the final year of his rookie deal. Poles could view using the franchise tag on Smith or potentially netting a compensatory pick if he lets the star linebacker walk as better options than making a trade. But if the GM isn’t willing to go near Smith’s contract demands, he could ship the ‘backer out if the right offer comes in. Frankly, outside of Justin Fields and a few rookies, there aren’t many players on the roster that Poles shouldn’t at least listen to offers for in trade talks at this point.”
The Chicago Bears must gauge the market.
It isn’t a secret Quinn is the one they’d prefer to unload. He’s older and not part of their long-term plans. Unfortunately, he picked the worst time to go through one of his trademark funks, notching only one sack this season. If he wants out, he must work to improve that number against New England and Dallas. Otherwise, Poles may be lucky to get a 6th round pick for the former Pro Bowler.
The other three are more attractive. Montgomery is averaging 4.0 yards per carry this year with ten catches on 11 targets for 113 yards. His versatility, durability, and tackle-breaking style are something that could entice teams that need a running game boost. Christian McCaffrey just went for a monstrous package to San Francisco. Montgomery won’t fetch as much, but there are teams seeking running back help.
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Probably the two best options the Chicago Bears have are Jackson and Smith. Jackson has three interceptions already this year and is playing at his 2018 All-Pro level. Smith has 66 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception in six games. He’s within striking distance of Dante Jones’ single-season team record of 189 tackles. There is a strong possibility multiple NFL teams will have an interest in both. It comes down to whether Poles is willing to let them go.
Hey Thomas, you should post the stats on all those studs you listed. Because I’m sure they’re killing it where they’re at…
Why wouldn’t Poles listen to any offers for Justin Fields? I’m thinking that he should
absolutely be on the block. Even though it’s only his second year in the league I’m not convinced that he will ever be an NFL franchise quarterback.
I’d like to see Jackson stay personally. He pairs very well with Brisker and the Bears have the money. I get it’s a rebuild, but that doesn’t mean you have to get rid of all your talent. Picks are nice, but so is a proven commodity who still most likely has 3-4 good years left, on a contract that will be mid range safety salary by next year, and is a team leader. Just my opinion. All the rest of the names I am ok trading. Sucks to lose Smith, but probly gona lose him next year regardless.
Buncha washed up scrubs on mostly 1 year deals. The future is in the draft. 5th rounder for Quinn — gone. 4th for Monty– gone. 3rd for EJ– gone. 3rd for Roquan? Gone unless u want to tag him. Team is 2 years away so u have to understand who will not be here.
The only player that makes sense to trade away is Montgomery. I dont think he gets extended and goes into FA. Quinn saves 14 million cap (with only 4 million dead cap) post June 1 2023 – cut or trade. He’s not going anywhere in 2022. Roquan is getting extended or tagged. Jackson is proving to be a difference maker for Coach Flus and isnt going anywhere. He will be a prime candidate for a contract restructuring to save cap for next year while playing for the Bears in 2023. With a high draft pick (or trade back to acquire… Read more »