In recent seasons under General Manager Ryan Poles, the Bears have been active buyers at the NFL Trade Deadline, trading a second-round pick for Chase Claypool in 2022 and another for Montez Sweat in 2023. However, this year may take a different turn. NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler suggests the Bears could be one of the top sellers, not buyers, during this trade period.
NFL Insider Provides Major Update on Bears Trade Deadline Plan
Bears “Open to Moving” Players
The Bears have several potential trade candidates, with NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reporting that the Bears have received interest in guard Nate Davis while the team is “weighing trade options” for pass rusher Dominique Robinson. For both players, if the Bears can get any draft capital, they should trade them away. Davis has been a huge disappointment and was demoted to the bench, while Robinson has been a healthy scratch all season.
According to Jeremy Fowler, the Bears would be willing to cover part of Davis’ $8.75 million salary, and teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, and Washington Commanders might be interested in Robinson due to their need for pass rushers.
Other Names Potential on the Trade Block
One big name circulating in trade rumors is running back Khalil Herbert. It was reported that the Minnesota Vikings showed interest in acquiring Herbert before ultimately trading for Houston Texans running back Cam Akers. The Vikings gave up a sixth-round pick for Akers, suggesting the Bears were likely seeking a higher draft pick for Herbert.
Herbert is far from a bad running back—in fact, he once held the lead role in the Bears’ backfield. However, the backfield has become crowded with D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson in the mix. Swift’s hefty contract and Johnson being on his rookie deal for the next few seasons make Herbert the odd man out as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. A team looking to acquire him will likely need to offer a fifth-round pick or higher, but Herbert would immediately make an impact for any team that trades for him.
Another potential trade candidate is Velus Jones Jr., who has been a healthy scratch since his poor performance in Week 1. Getting traded could give Jones Jr. a fresh start elsewhere. His speed and gadget-type ability at wide receiver and running back could help a playoff contender in need of another weapon on offense.
Would the Bears Potentially Be Spenders During the NFL Trade Deadline?
Given Ryan Poles’ history of trading second-round picks even when the team was struggling, there’s certainly a chance the Bears could be buyers at this NFL Trade Deadline. With two second-round picks this year, the Bears could be inclined to trade for a premium player who can help the Bears win some tough battles in the NFC North. Several players may be available via trade that the Bears should consider. Here are some potential trade targets for the team:
- Pass Rusher Azeez Ojulari, New York Giants
- Defensive Tackle Quinton Jefferson, Cleveland Browns
- Pass Rusher Josh Uche, New England Patriots
- Guard Wyatt Teller, Cleveland Browns
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