One aspect of late August always becomes a factor is trades. Roster cuts around the NFL are drawing closer. Soon, every team must whittle down from 90 players to 53 by next week’s deadline. Some teams have players who are too valuable to cut but also have no reasonable place on the roster. In these situations, they’re often dealt for minor draft picks. The Arizona Cardinals have made three such trades already in the past couple of days. It isn’t unreasonable to think the Chicago Bears might do the same.
GM Ryan Poles is always searching for bargains that may help his team. It comes down to the right player being available to fit a Bears need. Here are some names that may become available.
The Chicago Bears could have some intriguing targets.
Devin Duvernay (WR, Baltimore Ravens)
This could be if the Bears wanted an exit strategy from the Velus Jones experiment. Duvernay is trapped on a crowded depth chart. While a versatile threat on offense, his greatest value is on special teams. He’s made two Pro Bowls as a kick returner and averaged 13.8 yards per punt return in 2021. Since Tarik Cohen suffered his catastrophic knee injury a few years ago, Chicago has failed to solve the punt return spot. Duvernay would be a perfect solution to their problem and likely wouldn’t cost a ton.
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Kevin Dotson (OG, Pittsburgh Steelers)
His name has already been mentioned in previous articles, and for good reason. Despite having a decent season as a starter last year for Pittsburgh, it sounds like his roster spot is slipping away. The Steelers don’t want to pay him a new contract. Naturally, they’d prefer not to let him walk for nothing. A trade might be the best outcome for both sides. Chicago has serious depth concerns at guard, with Teven Jenkins, Nate Davis, and Lucas Patrick all injured. Dotson allowed only 16 pressures last season. He can be a great insurance policy if Jenkins or Davis continue getting hurt.
Yosh Nijman (OT, Green Bay Packers)
The former undrafted free agent became a Swiss Army knife for the Packers last year, logging snaps at both left and right tackles. He played well, too, keeping Aaron Rodgers protected. The Bears’ tackle situation isn’t as dire as their interior O-line, but depth is still a question mark. Nijman has ties to offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. He’s played in the same type of offense. With his status on the depth chart growing uncertain, this might be a good time for the Bears to call about his availability.
Zack Baun (LB, New Orleans Saints)
He was a dynamic pass rush threat at Wisconsin. Sadly, Baun has never duplicated that success during his three seasons in New Orleans. That said, he’s stuck around for a reason. The linebacker became a quality presence on special teams, racking up 14 tackles during his run there. The Chicago Bears value their depth players’ ability in the third phase. Several of their moves this off-season reflect that. If Baun is available for cheap, he would make for another quality addition.
Milton Williams (DT, Philadelphia Eagles)
There are often consequences of playing on a stacked roster. It limits your chances to truly thrive. Even so, Williams found a way to contribute last season with four sacks and 16 pressures from the defensive tackle spot. However, the arrival of two rookie draft picks, Jalen Carter and Moro Ojomo, has left his status uncertain. Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham has well-established ties to Philadelphia. This team needs more interior pass rush. It is hardly a stretch to think this deal makes sense for both sides.
Bobby McCain (S, New York Giants)
Another position slapped by a rash of injuries. Jaquan Brisker hasn’t practiced since the early parts of training camp. Eddie Jackson isn’t practicing much, either. That has left guys like Elijah Hicks, A.J. Thomas, Kendall Williamson and Bralen Trahan to pick up the slack. There is a lot of inexperience in that group. McCain is 30 years old with 87 starts under his belt. He made the transition to safety in 2019 and had arguably his best season as a pro with four interceptions in 2021. It sounds like the Giants have their eyes elsewhere at safety. McCain would be a great veteran presence for that young Bears secondary.
