The Chicago Bears are in the thick of the playoff hunt, but their recent success under rookie quarterback Caleb Williams might not stop them from executing a Nate Davis trade. Originally entering the league as a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Charlotte product made a name for himself with the Tennesee Titans. A four-year starter, Davis parlayed his success in Tennesee into a three-year, $30 million deal with the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately, his success didn’t come with him, as he has been one of the league’s least-efficient guards during his two years in Chicago.
Nate Davis can play well in the right environment, and a trade might be best for everyone. Now a role player, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport recently reported that Chicago has received calls inquiring about the former third-round pick’s availability. While nobody will give up too much for the $30 million backup, a team like the New Orleans Saints or Baltimore Ravens could bring him on to see if they can find his old form.
Saints, Ravens Could Trade For Bears Nate Davis
Few teams have suffered more injuries than the New Orleans Saints. After starting the season with two dominant wins over the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, the Saints endured a five-game losing streak highlighted by an absurd amount of injuries. While injuries to quarterback Derek Carr and wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed get most of the attention, the Saints also lost their entire interior offensive line. With no adequate replacements on the roster, New Orleans could buy low and trade for Nate Davis.
Seeing as the Saints season is effectively over, they might not want to waste even the slightest bit of draft capital with a Nate Davis trade. However, they might not have a choice. General manager Mickey Loomis does not believe in giving up, and head coach Dennis Allen will probably lose his job if he can’t bring this team to the playoffs. Until they are mathematically out of it, New Orleans will keep fighting for a spot in the postseason. Maybe Davis never recaptures his Tennessee form, but the former third-round pick could still add some much-needed competency to this decimated offensive line.
More Help For Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens are 5-2 following their blowout win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lamar Jackson is playing like an MVP, while free agent signee Derrick Henry is in the midst of what could very well be his best season. Through seven games, the former Titan has recorded 873 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 134 carries while averaging a staggering 6.5 yards per carry. While running back production is usually tied to the offensive line, Henry’s doing all this despite poor play at the guard position. If this is what he can do with subpar blocking, imagine how dangerous he could be if the Ravens trade for Nate Davis.
After losing starting guards John Simpson and Pro Bowler Kevin Zeitler in free agency, the Ravens spent the early part of the season hoping some combination of Daniel Faalele, Patrick Mekari, and Andrew Vorhees could get the job done. While they’re not sinking Baltimore’s seasons, this is still one of the weaker guard depth charts in football. Nate Davis knows how to block for Derrick Henry, and a trade would add some much-needed competition on a team poised for a deep playoff run.
Main Photo: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports
