The Chicago Bears are 3-2. Some believe the door is now open for a trade to help improve the team. They need help at multiple positions, particularly pass rusher. GM Ryan Poles has been aggressive in the past. Maybe something happens. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune didn’t dismiss the idea, but from how he talks it doesn’t seem as if the organization is viewing this season as playoffs-or-bust. Head coach Ben Johnson is busy evaluating the roster and intends to build a sustained winner. Aggressive moves don’t often lead to that.
On the flip side, Biggs indicated the Bears might go in an unexpected direction. Rather than being buyers, they could be sellers, unloading one or two of their veteran players for future assets.
Also, don’t completely discount the idea the Bears could trade a player. If a team has a need for an experienced offensive tackle, maybe Braxton Jones could be available. That would leave second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo as the swing tackle. Jones would be a rental because he’s in a contract year, so the return would be small, but in a world where everyone wants to talk about potential moves, there’s another idea to file away.
It makes sense. Jones is a free agent next offseason. The Bears won’t be re-signing him. Johnson made his thoughts on the former starter clear when benching him in Las Vegas. Still, there has to be a handful of teams out there who could use some experience at left tackle. Getting anything back for him at this stage would be a win for the Bears.
The Chicago Bears may have another name or two worth considering.
One is Olamidea Zaccheaus. The free agent addition hasn’t produced much this season at wide receiver. Meanwhile, Luther Burden seems to make plays every time he gets meaningful snaps. The Chicago Bears need to get him more involved. Moving Zacchaeus would make plenty of sense to help accomplish that. They could also consider moving Cole Kmet, hoping to clear the way for Colston Loveland. That is less likely, though, given Kmet’s valued versatility.
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It might not be the blockbuster move fans want, but such an approach would be a good way for the Bears to keep their eyes on the future. Poles said he wants to avoid knee-jerk moves that may provide a short-term burst but hamper the team in the long run. Unless he can swing a trade for someone the Bears can keep for a few years, the deadline may not go as many expect.
