When Robert Quinn chose to hold out of Chicago Bears‘ spring practices, most people took it as an unmistakable sign. The 32-year-old pass rusher only has so many years left in his career. He still doesn’t have a Super Bowl ring. With the team appearing on course for a rebuild, it would make sense that he’d wish for them to trade him. Preferably somewhere he’d have a chance to compete for a championship.
Yet when training camp arrived on July 27th, there was #94. Not only was Quinn present at practice, but he participated in the drills. There would be no holdouts. It was a pleasant surprise for many. Fans and media wondered if he’d try protecting himself from injuries until the Bears gave him what he wanted. As it turns out, what he wanted wasn’t what everybody assumed. The Pro Bowler spoke to the media on Wednesday, laying out his thoughts on the trade speculation.
“I’ve been traded twice. You get tired of moving. I thought I did a good job last year, but I guess I’ll just continue to try to re-prove myself.
I expect to be here, but I guess if not, well, that’s out of my control. I’m just going to take it day by day and have fun here with the guys and just let life take its course.”
It was surprising to hear that statement.
Quinn didn’t sound like a man anxious to leave town. One can’t blame him. Since 2017, he has played for the Rams, Dolphins, Cowboys, and Bears. Having to uproot himself and his family almost every year is taxing. Winning is important to him, but he’d instead try to do it in Chicago with the time he has left rather than move yet again. He likes the city and loves the organization. He’ll also have a chance to play in a defense he knows well.
GM Ryan Poles stated he’s had no conversations with Quinn regarding a trade. He and head coach Matt Eberflus want the defensive end to play here. Their stance has never changed on that. Combined with Quinn’s own comments, it doesn’t sound like a trade will happen. That could change a few months from now. If the Bears struggle early, teams may come hunting for his services at the trade deadline. At that point, it might be in the best interests of both parties.
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Robert Quinn is the only ace the Bears have up front.
That became clear after Akiem Hicks left in free agency and Khalil Mack was traded. If he’s traded, the Bears won’t have anybody offenses are forced to respect. Trevis Gipson played well last year but isn’t at the same level. The same goes Al-Quadin Muhammad. Justin Jones isn’t exactly Aaron Donald as an interior presence either. Trading Quinn would threaten to make the defensive line much weaker.
If the offer is strong enough, then the short-term loss might be worth the long-term gain. The Broncos got 2nd and 3rd round picks for Von Miller last year from the Ram. If the Bears got a similar package from another team, they’d have to consider it. Otherwise, it might be in their best interests to keep Robert Quinn. They’ll need the defense to be good without knowing where the offense is.
That won’t happen if he isn’t in the picture.
Early returns from training camp are he’s in shape and looks exactly like the player he was last year. The pass rush should be good if that holds true this season. That will make their retooled secondary even more fun to watch.
If this is true then I would say this is a classic case of the Chicago media listening to a rumor and believing and running with it. How else does the everyday articles that Quinn wants out get posted by Chicago media guys?
Why the fuck do we have to see your 1000 worthless articles in this page every day!