The Chicago Bears finally seem to have something cooking on offense for the first time in ages. Especially at the quarterback position. Andy Dalton and Justin Fields have both looked sharp in training camp. There is depth at wide receiver, tight end, and running back. Optimism is high. Unfortunately, it always seems like there is a caveat with this team. That comes in the form of the offensive line.
Just two weeks into training camp and the unit has been slapped with a slew of injuries. Nowhere is that felt more deeply than the tackle position. Both projected starters Teven Jenkins (back) and Germain Ifedi (hip flexor) have yet to practice since camp began. Primary backup Larry Borom, who was reportedly doing so well, suffered a concussion. The Bears really are scraping the bottom of the barrel for help.
That begs the question. Why haven’t they sought help?
Amidst all this, there have been no reports of the team even bringing somebody in for a workout. That would suggest they’re not as concerned about the tackle situation as others are. Part of this might be because the regular season is still a month away. There is a lot of time left. This hasn’t stopped people from offering solutions. Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus has one that makes a lot of sense. He explained in his latest column.
“Philadelphia Eagles tackle Andre Dillard → Chicago Bears for 2022 fifth-round pick (via Houston Texans), 2023 sixth-round pick
First-round left tackle Andre Dillard has presumably lost the opportunity to start at left tackle in Week 1 for the Eagles, with Jordan Mailata working ahead of him reportedly looking like the most impressive player in camp…
…The fifth-round pick here could be very early on account of it being originally owned by the Houston Texans, making it all the more valuable to the Eagles. Philadelphia has already begun loading up for the 2022 draft, with an extra first-round pick via a trade with the Miami Dolphins and most likely an extra second-round pick via the Carson Wentz trade. An early fifth-rounder could help them move up in next year’s draft, add a veteran or just provide another good draft selection.”
Dillard was a standout at Washington State in college. He had the size, athleticism, and intelligence necessary for a classic blindside blocker. During his rookie year in 2019, he flashed that potential often. So what happened? He tore his bicep in late August of last year, missing all of 2020. This enabled Mailata to get more playing time and he impressed the team. Now a knee sprain has knocked Dillard out of practice, pretty much handing the job to Mailata.
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Chicago Bears would be taking a risk in this trade
Obviously, because they already have a young tackle who is being labeled as injury-prone in Jenkins. Do they really want to add another one in Dillard? It’s a valid concern. GM Ryan Pace said it months ago. The best ability is availability. Dillard isn’t proving he can stay on the field consistently. At the same time? There is no denying the guy is talented. When he is healthy, he has proven he can be an above-average blocker.
Giving up two Day 3 picks is the sort of calculated risk that makes a lot of sense in these cases. If the Chicago Bears managed to turn Dillard around? That would set their offensive line up for big things. They’d be able to move Jenkins back to his natural spot at right tackle, potentially giving them two talented bookends on the younger side. Not to mention the promising presence of Borom on top of that.
Would the Eagles accept that deal though?
Their GM Howie Roseman is notorious for playing hardball in trades. He’ll likely seek a Day 2 pick for Dillard, knowing he’s a former 1st round pick who is still on the younger side. Tackles are considered a premium position. He will think somebody is willing to pay up for that opportunity. If that is the case, then don’t expect the Bears to bite. Still, if their own tackle problems persist? Pace may go exploring.
