The talk about teams every year comes with the word “window.” When they open a window to a possible championship, how long can they keep it open? This is largely determined by two key factors. The age of the roster and whether that team has a good quarterback. Having that good QB keeps a window open for longer. If a team doesn’t? Then age is the biggest key. This is where the Chicago Bears sit.
They don’t have a quarterback. They arguably haven’t had one in decades. So concerns continue to grow that they are once again headed for another rebuild. The salary cap is becoming a problem and the age of their roster is the second-oldest in the NFL. Of their core stars, one is already in his 30s (Akiem Hicks) and another will be by next season (Khalil Mack). Danny Trevathan is in his 30s. Tashaun Gipson and Robert Quinn are both 30.
Considering the strength of this team is the defense?
It’s little wonder fans are so fearful of what’s to come. That unit may fall apart before the Bears are able to repair all the problems with that offense. So here’s the question. Should they let it fall apart or tear it down themselves? Adam Hoge of NBC Sports Chicago cited how the Minnesota Vikings gutted much of their own good defense in hopes of securing money and draft picks for the future. It seems to be working out for them.
The Bears may have to make a similar sacrifice. Maybe not to the extent their rivals went to, but certainly one or two big names on the defensive side of the ball. He has the one in mind too.
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“When it comes to the Bears, their competitive window is less defined because it only exists on one side of the ball. But given how far away the offense is, it might be wise to start thinking about moving some pieces to acquire more draft capital in an effort to avoid a full rebuild. Maybe that means tagging and trading Robinson. Or even trading stud cornerback Kyle Fuller, who turns 29 in February and only has one year remaining on his contract while carrying a $20 million cap hit in 2021.”
Chicago Bears are in a position to sacrifice Fuller
Why? Namely the presence of Jaylon Johnson. The rookie 2nd round pick has been a revelation this season. He has 13 passes defended already in 10 games and allowed less than 50% of passes completed in his direction. Understand that he had virtually no offseason to prepare and started slowly in training camp due to recovery from a prior shoulder injury. The fact he’s playing this well is a sign the Bears got a good one.
Make no mistake. Letting Fuller go will hurt this team in the short term. He’s the best off-zone cornerback in the NFL and arguably one of the most complete. Not only is he tough in coverage, but he’s also a strong tackler and run defender. His presence is one offenses have become warier and warier of as time has gone on.
His value on the trade market will be substantial.
Odds are he can fetch something in the neighborhood of a 3rd round pick and some change. Similar to what the Detroit Lions got for Darius Slay this past spring. Kyle Fuller should remain a Bear for life but the business of the NFL makes that impossible these days. He’s the only one they can “afford” to lose without the defense completely falling apart. The idea is to take one step back to take two forward later on.
This sort of thing happens when the Chicago Bears can’t fix the QB position. The defense suffers.