The Chicago Bears usually don’t make moves at the trade deadline. The last time they did was in 2017 when they dealt for wide receiver Dontrelle Inman. Things have gone quiet since then. Now with the team 2-4 and facing a brutal stretch of games, most believe the likelihood is high that GM Ryan Poles will try unloading any veterans on the roster that may have value to other teams seeking help. The rebuild is ongoing, and draft picks are required to make it work.
As always, it depends on the market, and the perceived value of players Poles is willing to make available. That isn’t what anybody can say for sure. Currently, there is a consensus that at least one name on the defensive side of the ball is up for grabs. However, Kevin Patras of NFL.com thinks there is a serious possibility three others might be in play. Much of it could depend on how they perform in the next eight days.
That and which teams are buying.
“Ryan Poles took over a mess of a roster and remains early in his rebuild. The next phase could include shipping out veterans who aren’t in his long-term plans. Robert Quinn is the biggest name to watch after offseason trade rumors. The 32-year-old has only one sack this season, but he showed he still had juice in 2021, posting 18.5 QB takedowns. With no guaranteed money after this season, he could be viewed as a mercenary edge rusher for a playoff contender in need. Likewise, veteran safety Eddie Jackson has no guaranteed money left on his deal beyond this season, and secondary-needy clubs could come calling for the ballhawk.
Running back David Montgomery is in the final year of his rookie contract and could be moved with Khalil Herbert waiting in the wings. Then there is Roquan Smith, who is also in the final year of his rookie deal. Poles could view using the franchise tag on Smith or potentially netting a compensatory pick if he lets the star linebacker walk as better options than making a trade. But if the GM isn’t willing to go near Smith’s contract demands, he could ship the ‘backer out if the right offer comes in. Frankly, outside of Justin Fields and a few rookies, there aren’t many players on the roster that Poles shouldn’t at least listen to offers for in trade talks at this point.”
The Chicago Bears must gauge the market.
It isn’t a secret Quinn is the one they’d prefer to unload. He’s older and not part of their long-term plans. Unfortunately, he picked the worst time to go through one of his trademark funks, notching only one sack this season. If he wants out, he must work to improve that number against New England and Dallas. Otherwise, Poles may be lucky to get a 6th round pick for the former Pro Bowler.
The other three are more attractive. Montgomery is averaging 4.0 yards per carry this year with ten catches on 11 targets for 113 yards. His versatility, durability, and tackle-breaking style are something that could entice teams that need a running game boost. Christian McCaffrey just went for a monstrous package to San Francisco. Montgomery won’t fetch as much, but there are teams seeking running back help.
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Probably the two best options the Chicago Bears have are Jackson and Smith. Jackson has three interceptions already this year and is playing at his 2018 All-Pro level. Smith has 66 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception in six games. He’s within striking distance of Dante Jones’ single-season team record of 189 tackles. There is a strong possibility multiple NFL teams will have an interest in both. It comes down to whether Poles is willing to let them go.
