The Chicago Bears missed the mark signing guard Nate Davis from the Tenessee Titans to a three-year, $30 million contract last offseason. With a disappointing 53.6 PFF grade, Davis was benched after the Week 2 loss to the Houston Texans due to his poor performance. This recent benching suggests that a trade may be on the horizon, and the Bears could explore options to find a suitable replacement. Several teams could emerge as potential trade partners, offering players who would bolster the Bears’ offensive line.
Several Teams Could Have Replacement for Bears $30 Million Ex-starter
Bears Reportedly Monitoring Teams on the Trade Market
It’s well-known that Bears General Manager Ryan Poles is no stranger to making moves at the NFL Trade Deadline. In recent years, he traded second-round picks for Chase Claypool in 2022 and Montez Sweat in 2023. And he’s not afraid to make another massive trade if there’s an opportunity.
The Bears have two second-round picks this year. If there’s a player that’s potentially available, there’s no doubt Poles will see if a trade is plausible. According to Erik Lambert of Sports Mockery, a source has indicated three teams who have Poles’ attention: the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, and New England Patriots. All three teams are currently 1-4 and aren’t projected to make the playoffs. Conversely, the Bears are in a prime position to trade for a replacement for Davis if the price is right.
Potential Replacements for Nate Davis
Browns Guard Wyatt Teller
Lambert mentioned Wyatt Teller as a potential trade target to replace Davis. Teller, who is set to return from Injured Reserve soon, is widely regarded as one of the better guards in the league when healthy. Although he’ll turn 30 soon and may only be a short-term solution, he could bring much-needed stability to the Bears’ offensive line. Teller has made the Pro Bowl the past three seasons and could immediately step in as the starter.
However, there are two possible challenges to acquiring Teller. First, he carries a hefty $21.9 million cap hit for next season, which could be too costly. Second, securing him would likely require a high draft pick, given his importance to the Browns’ offensive line. If Poles decides Teller is worth a third or fourth-round pick, he may decide to make the move.
Rams Guard Kevin Dotson
Another interesting option brought up by Lambert is Rams guard Kevin Dotson, a younger and healthier trade target who could immediately elevate the Bears’ offensive line. Dotson signed a three-year, $48 million contract this season with a 17 million cap hit in 2025 and 2026. Since joining the Rams from the Pittsburgh Steelers, he has shown significant improvement and enjoyed a breakout season last year.
The Bears might be able to come up with a trade for Dotson, especially when the Rams don’t have a second-round pick this year. Since the Bears have two second-rounders, the Rams might be willing to trade Dotson for one of the Bears’ second-round picks. While that’s a steep price, Doston could shore up the right guard position for the foreseeable future.
Panthers Guard Robert Hunt
A player who may not be on many radars but is an intriguing trade candidate for the Bears is Carolina Panthers guard Robert Hunt. He signed a substantial five-year, $100 million contract with the Panthers this offseason. However, with the Panthers off to a 1-4 start and little chance of a turnaround, they might consider trading Hunt. While it’s a long shot, the Bears have the necessary draft capital and cap space to make a deal for Hunt.
The main question is whether the Panthers would be willing to part with a newly signed player intended to be a cornerstone of their offense. With the infamous trade between the two franchises, the Panthers might want to obtain some of the lost draft capital given to the Bears. The Panthers might be able to get a second-round pick plus a player for Hunt.
Main Image: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports