One Chicago Bears Trade Option More Possible Than People Think

The Chicago Bears have remained quiet on the roster front for some time now. It appears GM Ryan Poles has decided to wait on another move until after OTAs. Head coach Matt Eberflus will have a chance to evaluate where things are during those practices. If there is something he feels needs some addressing, then one can expect Poles to make a move of some degree next month. Widespread expectations from Bears fans remain unchanged. They remain convinced the team must find more edge rush help at some point.

Several free agents remain available as possible options. However, Poles himself hinted the team is also exploring the trade market. While Chase Young is the popular topic in these circles, he’s not realistic. In such situations, it is best to zero in on veterans with lofty contracts that might not fit on their current teams anymore. One name that isn’t getting much attention is Randy Gregory.

He signed a massive five-year contract with the Denver Broncos last season. Then he missed 11 games with a knee injury and finished with only two sacks. Some are already regretting that contract. Add in the arrival of a new coaching staff, and his status is in limbo. Trading Gregory after June 1st would net Denver $14 million in cap space. Any team acquiring him would no longer have to worry about paying most of the guarantees in that deal.

Gregory would be a calculated risk for the Chicago Bears.

His track record can be called inconsistent at best. He’s never played an entire season in his career due to injuries. However, he is a lethal pass rusher when healthy. Despite only playing six games last year, he still had 20 pressures. That is more than Al-Quadin Muhammad last year, who played almost double the snaps. He’s big, long, and athletic. So he fits the athletic profile Poles and Eberflus covet. The lingering question is whether he would embrace the H.I.T.S philosophy demanded of every player in that locker room.

Gregory has a history of maturity questions that followed him from college. He seems to have gotten over most of them. He’s 30 years old and a fully grown adult now. The Chicago Bears wouldn’t have to bring him in as their savior. They could relegate him to a designated pass rush role and still give their entire defensive line a huge boost. He is that talented. If things work out, they’d have three more years left on his contract. They can cut him in 2024 with minor dead money issues if not.