The discussions are out there by now. Robert Quinn skipped every OTA and minicamp practice. The 32-year-old pass rusher isn’t keen on continuing his career with the Chicago Bears. It isn’t because he hates the organization, city, or fans but more about where things stand. He isn’t getting any younger and still doesn’t have a Super Bowl ring. The Bears are probably three years away from contending again if things go right under the new regime of GM Ryan Poles.
It isn’t that the organization is ignoring this situation. They understand Quinn’s stance. They’ve been listening to possible trade proposals. It is a case of no offer reaching a point where they feel the return is worth losing their best pass rusher. So the wait continues. When evaluating the NFL landscape, it becomes easy to determine which teams are likely involved based on need, cap space, and playoff contention. Here are the five to watch.
Robert Quinn has five likely landing spots.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Ryan Poles has deep ties to the Chiefs, having spent his entire scouting career there before Chicago. It is known the team would like to move on from defensive end Frank Clark, but they likely won’t do that unless they’re sure they can get somebody who can fill his spot opposite 1st round pick George Karlaftis. Quinn would be a perfect fit in that defense. Poles’ familiarity with Kansas City’s front office could also make getting the right kind of deal done from a compensation perspective. The Chiefs are in win-now mode.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Speaking of win-now mode, the same can be said for the Bucs. Tom Brady is back after his 40-day retirement. That is good news for the team, but it’s uncertain how long it will last. They must do everything they can to make one more run at the Lombardi. Losing Jason Pierre-Paul to free agency was a tough blow to their pass rush. They are hoping former 1st round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka can step up into that void. Even so, their rotation is far less deep than before. Adding Robert Quinn would solidify it.
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3. Dallas Cowboys
In terms of connections, this one makes the most sense. Dallas got 11.5 sacks from Quinn back in 2019. They know what he’s capable of and how he can help their defense. After losing Randy Gregory to free agency, the Cowboys have uncertainty at defensive end across from Demarcus Lawrence. Considering the competitive state of the NFC East and the sense of urgency to finally make a run in the playoffs, Jerry Jones may be tempted to make this move. He’s never been shy about bold trades in the past.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
No GM in the NFL loves making moves on the trade market like the Eagles’ Howie Roseman. If he thinks a good deal is to be made, he’s all over it. Philadelphia is flush with draft picks next year and may require pass rush help. Brandon Graham is 34 years old and coming off a torn Achilles. Derek Barnett had two sacks in 16 games. Josh Sweat is their best edge rusher, and he had 7.5 sacks last season. They need more credibility up front. Robert Quinn is exactly what they’re missing, and they have the capital to make it happen.
1. Arizona Cardinals
There is no getting around the facts. Arizona’s defense suffered a big blow when they lost Chandler Jones to free agency. Nobody near his caliber is left on the roster who can step up. That doesn’t bode well, considering the pass rusher was the primary reason the Cardinals’ defense finished 7th in the NFL. If they don’t want to suffer a disappointing regression this year, which many sense is coming, they must plug that hole. Robert Quinn is the only asset available anywhere close to what Jones was. If one team might be desperate enough to meet the Bears’ price, it is Arizona.
Trade Quinn to the Cards for rookie OG Marquise Hayes from Okl