The Chicago Bears are now 2-1 after a convincing win on Monday night against Washington. It wasn’t perfect but it was a reminder that they’re a good football team. It always proved that they may have designs on getting better if possible. Perhaps via trade. The deadline arrives at the end of next month. GM Ryan Pace isn’t normally active that time of year but there is one reason to think that might change in 2019.
For one, there are currently seven winless teams in the NFL through three weeks. Anybody knows that the longer a team goes without winning, the more open they become to preparing for next year. That means shipping out players on their rosters in order to acquire draft picks and spending money for the next offseason. The Miami Dolphins are already doing it. Others could join them in the coming weeks.
One team to watch is the Cincinnati Bengals. They’re currently 0-3 under their new coaching staff. Already changes have been made to their roster in general. This leads one to think that certain players may not be safe with the deadline looming closer. One who stands atop the list and one the Bears should absolutely consider if their 1st round pick from 2018, offensive lineman Billy Price.
Chicago Bears could make great use of Price’s skills
Cincinnati surprised a lot of people before the season when they decided to bench Price in favor of rookie Michael Jordan and veteran Trey Hopkins along the interior. It was felt his lack of a proper fit at center played a part in it. Then again most experts believed he was always meant to play guard in the NFL anyway. He showed examples of why when forced to step in for an injured Jordan during the Week 3 game against Buffalo.
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He held his own well, showcasing his strong mechanics and significant power base. With more time he looks like he can be a more than capable guard. It is this reason that the Bears should consider reaching out to Cincinnati about a possible trade. If they plan to keep Price in a backup role, which seems likely once Jordan is healthy, then it’s a waste of time and money. He could do much more in Chicago in the long-term.
The Bears have a decision looming along the offensive line after this year. Right guard Kyle Long will be 31-years old in December this year. He’s struggled with inconsistency to start this season. On top of that, his contract is becoming a burden as well. The team may decide to next offseason they should cut him loose for much-needed salary cap breathing space. The problem would be how do they replace him up front?
Price would be entering the third year of his rookie deal by that point. A cap hit of just $3.2 million. He’ll also be 25-years old. This would be a potentially ideal scenario for long-term stability on that offensive line. Given how good Harry Hiestand is as an offensive line coach, there are plenty of reasons to think he can get Price playing at the level expected of him.
