The Chicago Bears seem content with the roster they’ve constructed thus far. That’s not a big surprise. Despite some injury setbacks, they’re currently 3-1 and have a chance to get into their bye week 4-1 pending a showdown with the Oakland Raiders in London. So yeah, one can understand if GM Ryan Pace isn’t exactly thinking aggressively in regards to finding possible help on the trade market. That doesn’t mean he isn’t thinking about it.
Pace is a man known for being prepared for any opportunity. He sees what’s happening around the NFL. In this case, a surprisingly large number of winless football teams as the calendar turns to October. This could mean that a race may ensue in the coming weeks to prepare for 2020. That means each of those teams selling off players on their roster for possible draft picks. The Bears, being a good team and in the playoff hunt, may like to peruse the shelves for a potential bargain.
Six teams currently sit without a victory. Five of them employ a first-year head coach. So the odds of them selling off a player or two for draft capital is higher than usual. Who are some potential names the Bears should be on the lookout for?
Possible Chicago Bears trade target ahead of the deadline
Arizona Cardinals: ILB Haason Reddick
The Bears have looming issues at inside linebacker with both Danny Trevathan and Nick Kwiatkoski being free agents in 2020. This might compel the Bears to seek out a potential solution alongside Roquan Smith in the long-term. Haason Reddick has suffered through constant scheme changes down in Arizona and it’s clear the team is in a rebuilding phase. Trading the former 1st rounder might be in their best interests.
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Reddick had 80 tackles and four sacks in 2018. He’s a tough and athletic defender who could fit well in Chuck Pagano’s aggressive system.
Cincinnati Bengals: OL Billy Price
Right now the Bengals have a host of offensive line issues. Most people are blaming this on lack of talent, as is typically the case. Sometimes though, it can actually be the coaching. In this case, Cincinnati is relying on Jim Turner whose last NFL stint came from 2012 to 2013 with the Miami Dolphins. Their offensive line during that period gave up 95 sacks. So it’s possible the guy might not know quite how to get the most from his players.
Billy Price is a former 1st round pick who was a standout blocker at Ohio State. He’s capable of playing good football against top tier competition. Perhaps a fresh start under the respected Harry Hiestand may yet unlock that potential.
Denver Broncos: TE Troy Fumagalli
The Bears continue to search for possible options at tight end. Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen, while not the worst out there, certainly aren’t the best. This offense needs more productivity from that position. One name who college fans might remember well is Troy Fumagalli. At Wisconsin, he was a consistent threat in the passing game with over 500 yards each of his final two years. This despite playing in a run-heavy system. This also indicates he has value as a blocker too.
Denver is planning to move forward with 1st round pick Noah Fant as their primary tight end, so Fumagalli could be available for cheap.
Miami Dolphins: TE Mike Gesicki
This could be another case of a team not understanding how to use what they have. Mike Gesicki came to Miami known as a tall tight end with good athleticism and pass-catching ability. Yet the Dolphins have steadfastly refused to gear the offense around taking advantage of these traits. Through 20 games in Miami, he’s been targeted a total of 43 times. Instead he’s been used extensively as an extra blocker, something he was never that good at in college. Maybe in a more aggressive system, he could flourish.
New York Jets: EDGE Tarell Basham
This name might not be familiar to casual fans, but one person who knows it well is Pagano. Basham was a 3rd round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2017, the final year Pagano was the head coach. After he was fired, Basham was cut last season and signed on with the Jets. His hopes of opportunity took a hit this past offseason when New York switched to a 4-3 front under Gregg Williams. Basham had always been viewed as a 3-4 outside linebacker for the NFL.
Basham has pass rush skill and flashed it as a rookie under Pagano with two sacks and four hits on the quarterback. A reunion would give him a fresh opportunity, what with Aaron Lynch and Isaiah Irving being free agents next year.
Washington Redskins: CB Fabian Moreau
Another position group that could be poised for major changes in 2020 is cornerback. Prince Amukamara has the look of a cap casualty with his progressing age and inflated contract. The Bears need an influx of younger bodies to help improve depth. Fabian Moreau is a former 3rd round pick who has flashed some skill in Washington but hasn’t been able to quite unlock his potential. Playing for Greg Manusky, a defensive coordinator with a background in linebackers probably doesn’t help.
He could push himself to new height under Pagano, a noted defensive backs specialist.
