Should the Bears become buyers at NFL trade deadline – NBC Sports Chicago

This NFL season is flying by, and with the trade deadline approaching in two weeks, NFL teams need to start strategizing for potential trades.

Considering the possibility of a few teams tearing down their rosters, should the Bears take advantage and clean up the mess?

Let’s begin by examining potential fire sale candidates across the league.

Denver Broncos

The fact that the Bears lost to the struggling Broncos is hard to believe.

However, strong reports suggest that the Broncos are headed for a major roster overhaul. Currently leading their division in losses, they seem destined to become one of the worst teams in the NFL. It’s time for them to hit the restart button.

The Broncos have a talented roster on both sides of the ball. Players like pass rusher Frank Clark, cornerback Patrick Surtain III, safety Justin Simmons, and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy could potentially be trade targets.

It’s worth noting that while the Broncos haven’t found success as a team, they do have individual players who could thrive in the right situation.

Minnesota Vikings

Although it might be challenging for the Vikings to trade with the Bears, considering they are division rivals, it’s not an unprecedented move.

The Vikings are currently experiencing a significant decline after finishing with a 13-4 record last season. With only one win out of five games, they appear to be one of the weakest teams in the league. Their disappointing tenure with Kirk Cousins might have them contemplating the next steps.

Rumors are swirling about a potential trade involving Cousins to the New York Jets, possibly to fill the void left by Aaron Rodgers. Additionally, the Vikings have already lost key players like Dalvin Cook and Za’Darius Smith during the offseason.

In a theoretical roster overhaul, the Vikings would likely hold onto promising players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Christian Darrisaw. However, players like Danielle Hunter, Byron Murphy Jr., and Harrison Smith could be available.

Arizona Cardinals/New York Giants/New England Patriots

These teams are all question marks, making it hard to determine if they’ll undergo a major rebuild.

There’s a potential for intriguing players to be available near the trade deadline. Should the Bears be proactive in pursuing these opportunities?

However, it’s important to consider if the Bears should go all-in on the trade market. They possess a significant amount of draft capital, which gives them the ability to acquire impact players from struggling teams. Yet, it could be detrimental to squander those opportunities in the draft.

Currently, the Bears own the first and third picks in the upcoming NFL draft. While they don’t necessarily have to trade their first-round picks, each pick they possess is valuable.

We should also remember the Bears’ previous trade deadline acquisition of Chase Claypool in exchange for the No. 32 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, which didn’t work out as expected. While this shouldn’t dictate the Bears’ trade market strategy, it’s something to consider.

The Bears have a legitimate case to become sellers as well. With a 1-4 record, their chances of making the playoffs look bleak. Though teams like the 2022 Detroit Lions have shown that even with just one win in seven weeks, a playoff run is possible, it remains highly unlikely for the Bears.

Furthermore, the Bears have expiring contracts for several veteran players who could be attractive to contenders. Last offseason, they didn’t extend contracts for Jaylon Johnson or Darnell Mooney. Are these players part of the Bears’ long-term plans? And what about Eddie Jackson, who is approaching 30 years old?

Reports suggest that the Bears have been discussing potential trades involving Johnson and Jackson. This presents an opportunity to assess the market value of these players. Moving on from expiring contracts for players who don’t fit into long-term plans is a viable option. However, are the Bears willing to part ways with two key contributors?

Keep an ear to the ground regarding this situation. The assets available might be too valuable to give up. However, for a team like the Bears, whose roster is evolving despite their current record, acquiring talent on the move could be a smart move.

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