Ryan Poles has already made plenty of trades in his two offseasons as general manager of the Chicago Bears. However, none of them involved landing a big hit. Most were calculated moves to accumulate working capital. There is nothing wrong in it. Keeping a large inventory of picks is a good thing. That being said, all GMs reach a point where they feel like a strong swing is needed. It is a signal from the regime that this team is ready to start winning more football games. It may be too soon for the Bears to consider this, but there are options.
If the Poles want to get aggressive before the start of the 2023 season, here are some possible deals that would certainly create a lot of buzz.
The Chicago Bears can still make a splash if they’re willing.
Jaylon Johnson and a third-round pick to Minnesota for DE Danielle Hunter
Johnson is seeking a new contract as he enters the fourth and final season of his rookie deal. Complicating matters is his lack of production (one interception in his career) and missing four games with health issues in 2022. The Bears drafted two young cornerbacks in Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith, who are very promising. Minnesota has serious question marks at cornerback, and at the same time, Hunter is a star pass-rusher who wants to re-sign him. Speculation of an exchange has surrounded him for months. The Vikings have traded within the division before. Johnson could solve his corner problem while he gets a solid draft pick. The Bears get a much-needed pass-rusher and have the money to pay him off.
A first-round pick to Washington for DE Montez Sweat
People keep talking about Chase Young. He’s not the only problem Washington has to deal with on his defensive line. He’s already given a lot of money to Jonathan Allen and Da’Ron Payne. Now, Sweat is looking for one after posting a career-high eight sacks and 28 quarterback hits last season. He is 26 years old and is in his prime. Commanders may not want to invest another big contract on the defensive line. This is where the Chicago Bears can help. They have two first-round picks next year. That means they can send one to Washington for a defensive end. He fits perfectly in the defense of Matt Eberflus.
A second-round pick to Denver for WR Jerry Jeudy
This may sound strange since the Bears have already traded DJ Moore. This is what you have to remember. Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney are free agents next year. Jeudy has two years left on his rookie contract. He is more talented than both of them and is an excellent route runner. A pairing of him and Moore would be great for this long-term offense. Chicago has enough draft capital to spare for next year. Denver has reportedly sought a first- or second-round pick for Jeudy’s services. The fact that he nearly had 1,000 yards last year on that atrocious offense should tell you something. This guy can play. There’s no such thing as investing too much in wide receivers.
