GM Ryan Poles knows what his off-season objectives are for the Chicago Bears. One of them is upgrading the weaponry around the quarterback position. D.J. Moore was an excellent acquisition last spring. He had one of the best seasons a Bears receiver has ever had, with over 1300 yards. Unfortunately, nobody else was able to top 500. That is way too wide of a gap. Poles has to find another viable target to take some of the pressure off Moore. He will have options, both in free agency and the upcoming draft. However, it is wise never to ignore the trade market as well.
It has often yielded some unexpected gems in recent years and at affordable prices. Multiple Bleacher Report experts pinpointed two names the Bears could have a shot at this spring.
“Top Trade Targets: WR Tyler Lockett, WR Amari Cooper, CB Donte Jackson
Regardless of who is under center for Chicago in 2024, the Bears could use another wideout to complement D.J. Moore—Darnell Mooney and Equanimeous St. Brown are scheduled to hit the market.
With Shande Waldron in as offensive coordinator, dealing for Seattle’s Tyler Lockett would be a logical move. Lockett is a proven No. 2 receiver who already understands Waldron’s schemes and concepts. Amari Cooper is another viable trade target if the Cleveland Browns are desperate to save cap space.”
It isn’t a crazy idea.
Both the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns are projected to be over the 2024 salary cap this off-season. That means they may have to make some difficult sacrifices to get back into the black. Trading Cooper would clear up $12.44 million for the Browns. Seattle would gain $7.1 million by dealing Lockett. Cooper had another outstanding year in 2023, cracking 1200 yards. Lockett had 3,102 yards and 22 touchdowns across three seasons working with Shane Waldron.
The Chicago Bears have every reason to explore these possibilities.
Cooper would be the preferred option. He is still only 29 years old. There is no reason to think he is approaching a steep dropoff due to age. However, Lockett might be cheaper. He’s 31 and coming off a slightly down year for him (894 yards). Neither of them figures to cost much in terms of draft compensation. Cleveland acquired Cooper from Dallas two years ago for a 5th round pick. Brandin Cooks, who is around Lockett’s age, went to the Cowboys for 5th and 6th round picks.
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If the Chicago Bears could land one of them for around that same price, it feels like a no-brainer. They have more than enough salary cap space to handle either contract and can handle the likely draft compensation. It comes down to whether either of those receivers becomes available. As we’ve seen so many times during the NFL off-season, there is no predicting it. One thing is for sure. Poles will have his eyes and ears open. If he smells a deal that can help his team, he’ll pounce on it.
