The Chicago Bears need help. Yes, they’re 5-2 but this is not a team that looks prepared for a second-half stretch. There are holes on the roster in a number of places. Especially on the offensive line. While resources are limited, one would think GM Ryan Pace could at least find some sort of bargain move on the trade market to help stop some of the bleeding.
Yet for the past two weeks with the deadline drawing closer, there’s been nothing. Virtually no word on if the Bears were actively pursuing anybody. Some names were connected to them in one way or another. Nothing concrete though. This has inevitably led to speculation. Is Chicago even looking at all?
Thankfully yes.
Pace appeared on WBBM Newsradio 780 with Jeff Joniak to talk about the state of the team. He was asked about the upcoming deadline and if the Bears are considering possible moves. While he didn’t offer anything specific, the GM did say they are actively combing the market trying to find help.
The problem is the sheer craziness of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has made other teams leery of letting veteran talents go. This has raised the price tags for many names, making it difficult for a team like the Bears to find a worthwhile bargain.
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“We look at every avenue to improve our team. We talk about every single one of them. We owe it to ourselves to do that. It’s a unique year. There are some factors that go into that. But no matter what if something makes sense and it’s a fit for us for different reasons, we’re definitely going to explore it.”
Ryan Pace is aggressive but also practical
People accuse him of overpaying all the time. Yet when he does that, it’s usually in the draft for younger players he’ll control for years to come. This is different. Most of the players who are available at the trade deadline are not only older but also pricey. They come with hefty contracts. Often ones that are expiring. This means Pace would possibly give up a 6th or even 5th round pick for essentially eight games worth of an okay play.
From a football business point of view? That isn’t ideal. Do the Bears really think they are one move away from a deep playoff run? After watching them the past couple of weeks, there is no way that is true. This team needs work. If the right player becomes available, then sure. Make the move.
If not, then retain what few assets you have.
As of right now, the Bears have six picks in the draft next year. They are projected to secure at least two compensatory draft picks as well with a possible third. That isn’t set in stone though. They also have a lot of cap issues to deal with. So spending a lot of money now could hurt their rollover prospects going into next year.
Suffice to say until a genuine bargain becomes available, don’t expect Pace to make a move.