Bears Just Gained Major Bargaining Power in Landry Trade Talks

The Chicago Bears trade rumors refuse to cool down, especially in regards to Jarvis Landry. Word persists that they and the Baltimore Ravens are the two primary teams exploring a deal for the 24-year old former Pro Bowler. Last information courtesy of NBC Chicago indicated Chicago might swaps their #8 pick and running back Jordan Howard in exchange for Landry, the Dolphins' #11 pick, and a third round pick. Opinion on this sort of deal varies wildly. Some think it's a fair exchange. Others feel the Bears have no business giving up a Pro Bowl running back and team leader in exchange for a receiver known for being selfish on and off the field. Still, it's impossible to argue that Landry is head and shoulders better than any receiver the Bears have on their roster. Thus the interest remains. The problem lay in the price. If only there was a way to improve their bargaining position in such a way that didn't require sacrificing Howard. As it turns out Chicago may have gotten a giant assist in that department.

Chicago Bears trade rumors on Landry got brighter with tag news

The Dolphins are already in a serious pickle with Landry. Their trade for Robert Quinn sent their salary cap situation down the tubes. They are currently more than $18 million in the red. Landry, at $15 million thanks to his franchise tag contract, is the primary issue. Hence why Miami is so motivated to trade him. Unfortunately, other teams are aware of this and they don't have any reason to rush the situation. The longer it plays out, the worse it gets for Miami. Not only that, but the Bears now have even more bargaining power thanks to recent news on the wide receiver free agent front.

For a time it looked like Allen Robinson and Sammy Watkins would both get tagged, leaving the free agent market barren of viable options. This turn of event is huge for the Bears. Why? It essentially allows them to remind Miami that they no longer have to trade for Landry. If they don't, they can now just make an aggressive push in free agency to sign either of those two receivers. They definitely have the money at a projected $70 million in cap space. Miami would then have a choice. Either lower their asking price or watch any potential deal go down the tubes. If it's the former, the Bears get Landry likely without losing Howard. If it's the latter, they keep Howard and don't sacrifice anything. It's a win-win.