Trade rumors: What are the Bears trade deadline plans? |
If this past weekend wasn't rock bottom for the Bears, then it has to be close, as the past two weeks have been tough to swallow. Despite that, the Bears are still sitting at 4-4, which is a better position than they were in last season and are still very much alive in the playoff picture. Tuesday could be a massive day for the Bears as the NFL trade deadline is set to take place by mid-afternoon and allows the Bears to unload some "dead weight" to improve their roster.
Last season, many felt the Bears would be in full sell-off mode, but instead, Chicago went out and traded for Montez Sweat in what went down as one of the best and most surprising deals of the deadline. This season appears to be a bit different. The Bears are still in playoff contention, but for whatever reason, they appear to be in sell-more-than-buy mode. When we say sell mode, we say that lightly, as the Bears aren't going to sell anyone who is a major part of this team. Instead, the three names being discussed are Khalil Herbert, Nate Davis, and Keenan Allen, as all three of those men could be moved by the deadline. That seems strange for a team that isn't as bad as people are making them out to be, but there are reasons for these names to be floated out there. Herbert may come with the most value out of the three as he is not only a reliable RB but also a RB with starting experience. Prior to Chicago signing D'Andre Swift as a free agent this offseason, the consensus was that Herbert would be the team's No. 1 option in the backfield. Instead, Herbert has seen minimal touches at best since week three, falling into the No. 3 role behind Roschon Johnson and Swift. With so many RB-needy teams in the league right now, Herbert would be the perfect piece for a contending team, as he would be able to give them a nice touch either off the bench or as a starter. The Bears wouldn't get much of a return for Herbert, as they could ultimately get a late-round pick similar to what the Vikings gave up for Cam Akers. UPDATE: In the process of writing this column, one of these three names was, in fact, traded as Herbert is on the move to Cincinnati. As expected, the Bears didn't get much of a return for him with a seventh-round pick coming their way, but Herbert is the one that wins this trade. He is going to a team starting to hit their stride and join an offense loaded with weapons. He will pair nicely with Chase Brown and Zach Moss in the backfield.
Another name being floated around in terms of players who could be on the move is Nate Davis, and of all the players, this is the one that makes the most sense. He is also the one that every Bears fan wants out the door when you look at what he has pulled this season. Not only did he miss time this summer with an injury, but he has also been a healthy scratch in a few games this season.
When he has been in the lineup, Davis has been a turnstile out there as it does appear he has no desire to be on this team anymore. If that is the case, why not just move him instead of holding on to an expensive paperweight? If the Bears want to deal Davis, why not call the Jaguars and try to get Brandon Scherff in exchange for Davis and a pick. This is a win-win for both sides as it would give Davis a fresh start, while the Bears would get a motivated player to prove himself.
A somewhat surprising name to hear could be on the move is Allen, but the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. The Bears acquired Allen from the Chargers this offseason but could not reach an extension before the start of the season. That ultimately means he is playing on a one-year deal, and although he has reiterated that he wants to remain with the Bears, it doesn't appear that he will be back next season.
Sure, Allen isn't the same player he was four years ago, as the injuries have piled up, but he is still a veteran player who can make a difference for a team. Looking across the league, you do have teams that are in desperate need of WR help, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs at the top of the list.
Kansas City has already made a trade for DeAndre Hopkins, but they may not be done, and adding Allen to that offense would be lethal. The same could be said for Tampa, which is missing Chris Godwin for the rest of the season and Mike Evans down with a hamstring injury. Eventually, Evans will be back, but Allen would, at the very least, make up for the loss of Godwin, even if it is a minimal return.
