The Chicago Bears masterfully worked the trade market last offseason to overhaul their offensive line, landing Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney in quick succession. It’s led many to wonder whether general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson might have another move or two up their sleeves before the league year opens on March 11th. As always, it comes down to the right players being available at the right price. Jackson and Thuney were timely names that had different reasons for being on the market. Jackson’s was health and scheme fit, while Thuney was money.
According to Albert Breer of the MMQB, the team to watch right now is the Miami Dolphins. From what he’s heard, the new GM Jon Eric-Sullivan is keen on kick-starting a rebuild. They’ve already unloaded multiple top veterans, headlined by Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. Internally, the hope is that they can do the same with some of their other veterans on the roster via trade.
It sure feels like the Dolphins moving on from Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb is a precursor to the team building up a warchest of draft capital, and they do have a few veterans that would be of interest to contenders.
If this is true, it is an opportunity the Bears can’t pass up. There are a few names on that roster who could help them immediately.
The Chicago Bears should be heavily focused on two names.
First is Minkah Fitzpatrick. The 30-year-old safety was traded back to Miami last season after the Pittsburgh Steelers moved to acquire Jalen Ramsey. A three-time All-Pro, he remains one of the better players at his position in the NFL. Remember, the Bears have four safeties coming out of contract this offseason, including starters Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Fitzpatrick has one year left on his current deal. The Bears should be able to extend him after a trade, knocking down his $18 million cap hit to something more favorable. His versatility and playmaking instincts would be an instant hit with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
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Given his age, the Bears likely would be looking at some sort of pick swap.
The other name to watch is De’Von Achane. Coach Johnson loves his running backs. He particularly loves running backs with speed. Few in the NFL are faster than Achane, and that isn’t the extent of his game. He runs harder than he gets credit for and has great vision to find holes. He’d be a great fit in Chicago’s outside-zone scheme. With D’Andre Swift in the last year of his contract, trading for the younger Achane makes sense. Also, don’t forget the Bears now employ Eric Studesville, the man who developed him in Miami.
Much depends on what the market is for both and how fast the Bears move.
Part of their success last season was the Poles’ ability to recognize that the market was open for both guards and moving fast. The same strategy must be applied here. Fitzpatrick is the more likely player Miami is willing to move. He’s on the older side and leaving his prime. Unloading his cap hit is a primary goal for them. If the Chicago Bears aren’t certain they can get Byard back at a reasonable price, this trade makes the most sense, presuming Fitzpatrick is open to some kind of extension.
Achane is younger and can be a dynamic offensive piece. The Dolphins may want to keep him, especially if they’re planning changes at quarterback. Still, there is a chance he’s available, too. Seeing him in Johnson’s offense has to excite the Bears brass. Most importantly, neither of these moves would break the bank in terms of draft compensation. Neither player is likely to cost more than a 5th. That is a price Poles has shown he’s willing to pay for proven players.
