The Chicago Bears have shown they might have a more aggressive mindset with their roster this offseason than normal. Already they’ve made some trades. The latest was a move to ship Adam Shaheen down to Miami for a conditional pick. Could GM Ryan Pace swing the opposite direction next and acquire some help for his own team?
One position people keep pointing to is running back. David Montgomery is the unquestioned starter. Beyond him? It starts to get a bit murky. Tarik Cohen is still an offensive weapon but his viability as a full-time back if Montgomery went down is out of the question. That means the #3 spot is more important than normal. Right now it looks like Ryan Nall is their best option with undrafted rookie Artavis Pierce as his only competition.
It feels like they have to make a move for more help. Could a trade be possible? If so, one name that might be available is Gus Edwards. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes a crowded backfield makes this underrated contributor an eventual casualty.
“Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards recently signed his tender as an exclusive rights free agent. He’d presumably love to remain a significant piece of the Baltimore offense—he rushed for 711 yards and two touchdowns last season—but the Ravens may be looking to move on and recoup something in return.
Given Edwards’ career 5.3 yards-per-carry average, the Ravens might be able to get a significant piece for him in a trade. His value may be at an all-time high, though, as Pro Bowler Mark Ingram II and rookie second-round pick J.K. Dobbins are likely to lead the backfield in 2020.”
Chicago Bears would like Gus Edwards a lot
Edwards is a big boy. He stands 6’1 and weights 238 lbs. A true load to bring down but deceptively fast as well. The fact he’s had such a limited workload to this point means there isn’t as much wear and tear on his body. This is somebody the Bears could immediately turn to as a feature back if Montgomery ever got hurt and would form a great 1-2 punch with him.
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There is just one small caveat. Edwards is not a receiver. Catching passes will never be his thing. The guy is a throwback smashmouth runner who will grind down defenses over the course of a game. A Matt Forte he is not. Provided Matt Nagy could accept that, then this would be an affordable move for the Bears to make.
