The Chicago Bears look more and more like a team that doesn’t have any big moves planned for the upcoming trade deadline. However, GM Ryan Poles said he would continue making calls and searching for possible ways to help his team. That could mean he opts for a more bargain-friendly move meant to improve team depth and maybe take on a young player needing a fresh start. It seems rather fitting that ESPN just revealed the New York Giants could unload some of their players as the season spirals out of control.
One name mentioned feels like such an obvious Poles target.
“And at some point, do the Giants cut ties with Evan Neal, a former top-10 pick whom the Giants won’t play despite Andrew Thomas’ foot injury? The Giants have several trade candidates if they choose to entertain calls. Corner Adoree’ Jackson is not playing, either, and receiver Darius Slayton had a nice showcase Monday night with 108 receiving yards.”
Neal was the 7th overall pick in 2022. The 6’7, 350-lb behemoth from Alabama was a freak athlete for his size. He helped the program win the national championship in 2020, logging time at right guard, left tackle, and right tackle. However, there were questions about consistency and intensity coming out of college. Those manifested in New York, leading to his eventual benching last season. The Giants obviously see him as a lost cause, but perhaps he can be salvaged.
Neal can help Ryan Poles and the Bears in multiple areas.
They don’t need a right tackle. Darnell Wright has that locked down. Neal’s experience at left tackle and right guard seems perfect for Chicago’s situation. Braxton Jones is dealing with a knee injury. Rookie Kiran Amegadjie has a calf problem. Larry Borom still hasn’t returned from IR. Meanwhile, they’ve been rolling with Matt Pryor at guard after benching Nate Davis. Neal isn’t some magical solution at this point, but nobody can deny his immense talent might be worth the calculated risk.
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Remember, Ryan Poles is a former offensive lineman. He understands how to speak their language. He has also taken chances on former 1st round picks. The Bears claimed Alex Leatherwood off waivers in 2022 despite his disastrous run in Las Vegas. That didn’t work out, but the chances of turning around somebody of Neal’s natural ability still make the risk worth it. He is unlikely to cost more than a 6th round pick, especially since he has barely played this season.
@TGena You are right about Ryan Poles judge of talent. But it isn’t the on-the-field talent that he’s clueless about – it’s coaching talent. Here’s a really, really, really drastic solution. Get the coaching right, and THEN begin assessing the on-field talent. Here’s another solution. Make up titles. Quality control passing game analyst. Passing game coordinator. Run game coordinator. Offensive line quality control analyst. Junior Birdman. Just hire a LOT of young coaches and ONE coach that knows both how to enforce progress, and allows younger players to get on the field and make mistakes, but also is not afraid… Read more »
They don’t need to acquire players. They need to straighten out their coaching situation BEFORE spending any money on players.
I said that last year while Erik Lambert was braying about the enormous qualifications of Caleb Williams while slagging Justin Fields incessantly.
What’s the problem now, Bro ?
Most of you on here seem to be forgetting that CHI is 4-3, and a QB1 away from being a team nobody wants to face in the playoffs.
Sure why not lmfao
@Byron —
100% correct!
The Bears “real problem” is the guy that signs/pays these bums.
Ryan Poles is an inept judge of NFL talent, proficiency, heart and value.
That applies to the many of the coaches as well as his players.
The 2025 NFL Draft presents much less of an opportunity to improve the Bears team — if Ryan Poles is making the selections.