Everybody remembers the trades the Chicago Bears have made. Yet perhaps the even more fascinating ones are those they almost made. Khalil Mack? Jay Cutler? Adewale Oguleye? There have been some fairly big ones in team history. What many may not know is that one came rather close eight years ago. One that involved All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch
Former Bears receiver Earl Bennett explained during his latest #StoryTimeWithEarl segment. Back in 2011, Matt Forte was embroiled in a contract dispute with the Bears. He wanted top running back money but the team wasn’t prepared to go that high. While Forte had been a very good back for them, they didn’t feel he was a true star.
It was at this point Bennett was greeted by his agent with some news. Lynch wanted to speak with him. What followed was a straightforward and potentially franchise-altering discussion.
“The conversation was right to the point. Seahawks RB #1 saw the success of the Chicago Bears team in 2010 and wanted to be a part of it. We defeated the Seahawks in the playoffs in January of 2011. So, he stated, “Tell RB #1 to come here (to Seattle), and I will go to Chicago on an even swap.” There was more that needed to happen for this trade to go down.
But, make no mistake about it Seahawks RB #1 had it all mapped out. This was a serious conversation, and I felt the passion by the tone of his voice. There are some players you talk to, and you respond, yes to, and others that command a yes sir. I chose the latter to show respect to “Mr. Beast Mode.”
Marshawn Lynch trade would’ve been fascinating twist
It’s worth keeping in mind that Lynch had not yet reached his peak form in Seattle by that point. They’d traded for him in 2010 during the season and he was looking for a new contract. If they weren’t willing to get close to his price, Lynch was the sort of player who didn’t mind moving on. Seattle had been in a slight down cycle the past few years even though they made the playoffs at 7-9.
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He would go on to rush for 5,347 yards with 48 touchdowns from 2011 to 2014. One could argue he was the best back in football during that stretch. There is no question he’d have fit the Bears mold perfectly. In the end, it didn’t happen. Forte and the Bears eventually reached an agreement on a new contract and he would remain with the team until 2015.
While Bennett loves Forte and has no regrets about what happened, he can’t help but be curious on how getting Lynch that year might’ve changed their fortunes. Don’t forget that Forte was injured after just 12 games that season. One that completely derailed the Bears offense at the worst possible time. Lynch missed only one game during that four-year stretch.
