The Chicago Bears have an uncertain future ahead of them. Not just for the rest of the 2020 season, but going into the 2021 offseason as well. They have one of the larger payrolls in the NFL. On top of that, they boast the second-oldest roster in the league. This is typically a recipe for major changes looming on the horizon.
It is possible that the Bears may be forced to make some difficult decisions in the near future. Difficult as in unloading some of their higher-priced veterans in order to reset their team salary cap. That means possibly trading one of their bigger names. It may depend on if GM Ryan Pace is the one still calling the shots or not, but facts are facts.
If Chicago has to bite the bullet and sacrifice one player to the cause, who would it be? Here is a breakdown of the six most likely names who could get traded a few months from now.
Quinn forces it out and Eddie Jackson with the SCOOP AND SCORE.#DaBears pull within two scores.
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Chicago Bears players who could make fine trade bait
#6 – Eddie Jackson
Nobody wants to think about the idea of Jackson being on another team. Especially since he’s only 26-years old and in his prime. He is probably the best deep coverage safety in the NFL and a lethal ballhawk. Yet it is precisely for those reasons the Bears could dangle him on the market. There is no shortage of teams who might be interested.
Remember he just signed a lucrative contract extension. He is now under contract through 2024. That is one of the big reasons his trade value will be high. Not only is he a great player in his prime but the acquiring team will have full control of him for years to come. Those are the situations that lead to solid returns in a trade. Depending on who is running the team next year, this is at least an idea they’ll consider.
Likely compensation: 1st round pick
#5 – Khalil Mack
There is no reason to believe the Bears are dissatisfied with Mack. Why should they be? He’s on pace for 13 sacks this season with four in the past three games alone. The guy is every bit the dominant force he’s been for years. Exactly what they traded for back in 2018. At age 29 there’s no reason to think he’ll slow down anytime soon.
Should the Bears trade him? No. This guy is a future Hall of Famer and should retire in navy blue and orange if possible. That said, his value on the trade market isn’t likely to go higher from this point on. He won’t fetch the same return the Bears gave up two years ago but with his contract running through 2024 and a large portion of the guarantees already paid? They could get one or two high picks for him.
Likely compensation: 1st round pick
#4 – Anthony Miller
Probably one of the most maddening draft picks the Bears have made in a long time. By rights, Miller should be a star. He has the skillset for it from the good speed to the sharp route running and toughness. Every once in a while he’ll deliver an impressive game that offers hope he’s figuring it out. Then he’ll have an ugly moment like the one against New Orleans where he drops a routine pass that completely shuts down a drive.
4. Want to know why Anthony Miller can't reach the next level?
Moments like this.
Has a good game up to that point. Eight grabs for 73 yards.
This should be a 7-yarder to set up 3rd and short. Instead, it's a drop.
Great WRs don't make routine plays look difficult. #Bears pic.twitter.com/AmTHjuXwqm
— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) November 2, 2020
The Chicago Bears are learning that they just can’t trust him. All this being said, a receiver of his talent is bound to fetch interest on the trade market. Teams are always on the lookout for potential weapons. Miller is young enough and talented enough to where somebody will give up a draft pick to see if they can get more out of him than Chicago has to this point.
Likely compensation: 6th round pick
#3 – Akiem Hicks
The heart and soul of the Bears defense. This unit is just different when Hicks is on the field. He remains an interior force for them, both as a pass rusher and a run defender. To say nothing of his value as a leader. Guys like this should be kept around. However, at 31-years old his age is becoming a factor. That and his contract.
Chicago needs cap space. They’re projected to be in the red by over $6 million next year. Shipping out Hicks would gain them $10.5 million in additional breathing space. Though on the older side, players like him will generate interest. Calais Campbell netted Jacksonville a return despite being 34. So it isn’t hard to imagine Hicks getting something for the Bears.
Likely compensation: 4th round pick
#2 – Kyle Fuller
It feels like the Bears may have to sacrifice at least one of their cornerstones on defense in order to gain some financial flexibility next offseason. So why is Kyle Fuller that guy? A few reasons. For one, he’s playing some of the best football of his career. Not only has he been terrific in coverage, but he is also making plays in the run game as a tackler. Truly the total package as cornerbacks go.
https://twitter.com/chillyfootball/status/1323685673057079297
Another is the presence of Jaylon Johnson. The rookie 2nd round pick has exceeded expectations this year as a starter. His future looks bright as somebody who can be CB1 moving forward. His presence would help the Bears absorb Fuller’s loss. Last but not least is the money. The Bears would gain $11 million in additional cap space by shipping him out. It would be painful but also a big help to the team in a long run.
Likely compensation: 2nd round pick
#1 – Allen Robinson
This one truly sucks because Robinson is such a great player. Easily the best receiver the Bears have employed since Brandon Marshall and a way better person. This is the kind of guy teams should build around and reward. Yet the Chicago Bears seem to always find the football gods conspiring against them when it comes to keeping star receivers.
The problem with Robinson is two-fold. Thus far the Bears haven’t reached any common ground on a contract extension. He wants somewhere around $18+ million per year. Chicago has tried to come in under that. A big part of this is the projected drop of the 2021 cap, forcing the team to tighten their financial belt.
Then there is the genuine question of whether Robinson even wants to stay. Chicago’s offense is in shambles. They still have problems at quarterback and no real identity. Does he really want to hitch his wagon to this? It doesn’t feel like it. That is why the most likely course of action with him is the Chicago Bears franchise tagging him in the spring and then trading him to another team for a high draft choice.
Likely compensation: 2nd round pick