Both the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers have massive problems. The Panthers just announced the benching of 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young and desperately need draft capital to rebuild the roster. Meanwhile, the Bears are looking to shore up the offensive line. Chandler Zavala, the Panthers’ fourth-round pick from 2023, is a promising young guard but is currently buried in the depth chart. With two guards ahead of him on large contracts, it may take a while for the 25-year-old to see significant playing time. However, the Panthers and Bears could agree to a Chandler Zavala trade, which should be a win-win for both sides.
Panthers, Bears Could Agree to Another Huge Trade
Despite all the injuries in the short time with the Panthers, Zavala showed flashes of being an elite guard. Last season, he quickly earned a starting spot and demonstrated his ability to overpower defenders and create open lanes for the running game. For a rookie, stepping up as an essential part of the offense was no small achievement.
Unfortunately for Zavala, he now finds himself buried on the depth chart. The Panthers signed guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt to massive contracts in the offseason, pushing Zavala to a backup role.
Bears Need to Trade for Chandler Zavala
In the past two weeks, the Bears have struggled to protect No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, with major issues coming from the interior offensive line. The team needs to make a move for someone like Chandler Zavala. At 25 years old, standing 6’3″ and weighing 322 pounds, Zavala could bring much-needed stability to the Bears’ offensive line. Right guard Nate Davis has been a major disappointment, and Zavala could be the answer to solving their problems at that position.
The Bears have the draft capital to make a trade for Zavala; it now hinges on whether the Panthers are willing to part with one of their promising young players.
Chandler Zavala in the preseason opener:
🔵 78.1 pass-blocking grade
⚫ 81.6 run-blocking grade
🔵 0 sacks allowed pic.twitter.com/Yzaa9JvvbJ— PFF CAR Panthers (@PFF_Panthers) August 9, 2024
Panthers Should Hit the Reset Button
For the Panthers, things couldn’t be much worse right now. Benching the first overall pick after just 18 starts is a major letdown. But the problem extends beyond the quarterback—it’s rooted in poor management and ownership making bad decisions. The trade with the Bears for Bryce Young could go down as one of the most lopsided deals in NFL history. While the Panthers have little to show for that trade, the Bears have gained several blue-chip offensive players.
Instead of giving up, the Panthers should hit the reset button. Regaining lost draft capital and rebuilding the roster is crucial. Losing a backup guard isn’t a major setback, and while a fifth or sixth-round pick may not seem like premium capital, it’s still valuable. Every team’s main goal is to win football games, and for the Panthers, it starts with acknowledging and addressing their weaknesses. It’s time for the Panthers to get serious and make changes, even if it starts with little adjustments.
Potential Trade Details
Chicago Bears Receive: Chandler Zavala
Carolina Panthers Receive: 2025 Fifth-Round Pick
Main Image: Jim Dedmon – USA Today Sports
