It was a big deal when the Chicago Bears acquired D.J. Moore from the Carolina Panthers in the #1 pick trade. It was an even bigger deal (potentially) when they acquired a future 1st round pick as well. Conventional wisdom says GM Ryan Poles will hang onto that selection for next year, hoping to secure a top prospect in the 2024 draft. Perhaps he could even package it together with the Bears’ 1st as well to move up for a player he covets, be it a quarterback if Fields regresses or a blue-chip talent like Marvin Harrison Jr.
However, that isn’t the only way for teams to utilize such assets. The Miami Dolphins have taken a different approach over the past year. Thanks to the trade with San Francisco in 2021 for Trey Lance, they accumulated two extra 1st round picks. Rather than save them to take top prospects, GM Chris Grier opted to use both in the pursuit of proven stars. The first was sent in a massive package for Chiefs superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The second went to the Denver Broncos in exchange for Pro Bowl pass rusher Bradley Chubb.
Both were instant successes, helping Miami to their first playoff appearance in seven years.
The Chicago Bears could do something similar.
There is no shortage of intriguing players in the 2024 free agent class. It’s too early to know which of them will be locked up to long-term extensions, but history says there will be at least two or three of them that don’t. That means one of two things. Either they will be franchise tagged or allowed to hit the open market. That is unless their current team decides to cut bait early in hopes of landing a strong return in a trade. The Bears have the ammunition to make something happen if the right player is there. Here are a few worth watching.
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Jeffery Simmons – One of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in the league. He’s been the heart and soul for Tennessee the past few years. Now he rightfully wants to get paid. The problem is the Titans appear intent on hitting the reset button. A trade is an obvious route if they aren’t keen on paying up. Simmon would be a perfect fit at three-technique, and the Chicago Bears also have the money to pay him.
Chase Young – The former Ohio State phenom was an instant sensation in 2020. He can be a dominant edge rusher. Sadly his past two seasons were marred by a nasty knee injury. There would be risk involved in trading for him, but he should be healthy now and will only be 24 this year. Washington already has tons of money tied up in Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, and now Da’Ron Payne. They may not be able to put more aside for him.
Either player would look great on this defense and fit what Poles looks for.
