The Chicago Bears have started the process of rebuilding. That means two things. They’re looking to unload every expensive contract they can while also securing extra draft picks. GM Ryan Poles already proved he was willing to do that by sending Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers for 2nd and 6th round picks. That led to speculation that the team would be open to doing the same with Robert Quinn.
It makes sense in that context. The 31-year-old comes off a season in which he had 18.5 sacks. His value as a pass rusher is not likely to get any higher given his advancing age. Thus far, the Bears haven’t done anything in that regard. Quinn remains on the team and is easily their best defensive lineman in 2022. Still, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune indicated the possibility of a trade is there. He believes Poles might be staying patient, waiting for the most favorable deal possible.
Two potential deadlines stand out.
“This figures to be a situation in which GM Ryan Poles is able to pull off a deal shortly before the draft or the Bears wait to see if another team develops a pressing need in August or during the first two months of the season…
…I wonder if the Bears could get more in return if they wait for a contending team to have a need. In that scenario, some level of risk would be involved because Quinn will have to remain healthy.”
Something to factor in here is the contract. Right now, the Bears are still on the hook for guaranteed money to the defensive end. However, that will change by June. Most of the guarantees will have been paid by then, making Quinn a far more attractive target for teams. Doing this after the draft will also help crystalize which teams still have a pressing need in the pass rush department.
It would secure the Bears an extra $12 million in cap space they could roll over into 2023, setting them up for boatloads of spending money. That could speed up the process of building around Justin Fields. The pick(s) they’d get in return would also enable Poles to help the overhaul on defense. It would be a short-term blow, but the long-term benefits could make the decision worth it.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Fate of Robert Quinn may hinge on Bears’ start to the season.
Often in situations like this, team success may dictate the course taken. If the Bears are unexpectedly competitive through the first two months of 2022, they may decide to keep Quinn around in hopes he can help push them to a surprise playoff berth. On the other hand, if they’re floundering in late October, as many expect, it becomes far likelier they’ll sell off any veterans they can to start stockpiling picks for 2023.
As Biggs said, health will be a crucial factor. Robert Quinn benefitted last season from mainly staying injury-free. However, he does have a track record of health issues. If he can avoid the trainers’ table those first 7-8 weeks, it should give the Bears enough leverage to get something decent in return. Especially if Quinn is playing well. The point is Poles doesn’t have to feel pressured to do something now.
He can wait it out.
The NFL demand for good pass rushers never has and will never go away. All it takes is one player on another team to go down with an injury to spark interest. Especially if that team considers itself a contender, they’ll be far more open to giving the Bears what they want in return for Quinn.
