Chicago Bears Could Get Discount CB Help From Raiders

The Chicago Bears are always looking for opportunities to improve their roster. Most often that comes via free agency this time of year. However, there are certain occasions where a trade could prove beneficial. At the right price. Odds are GM Ryan Pace isn't keen on giving up much what with only five picks in the 2022 draft. So anything would have to involve a deal too good to pass up. There might be one lingering out west in Las Vegas. One thing about the Raiders under Jon Gruden? They are never shy about moving on from players quickly. The Bears already benefited from this once before in the Khalil Mack trade. Could they do so again? Based on what Albert Breer of the MMQB is hearing, more turnover is happening on defense for that organization. Especially at the cornerback spot. Two of their draft picks from 2020 are already facing backup roles.

One of them should absolutely intrigue the Bears.

"Tanner Muse’s release in Vegas has only shone the light brighter on Jon Gruden’s draft record (which wasn’t great in Tampa either), and in particular how quickly hope for his 2020 class seems to be drying up. That group held the back half of the return from the Khalil Mack deal, and was stocked with seven picks in the first four rounds. Muse and fellow third-rounder Lynn Bowden are already gone. First-rounder Damon Arnette still hasn’t carved out a major role on defense. And fourth-rounders John Simpson and Amik Robertson are backups."

Robertson was the Raiders' 4th round pick last year. He was a standout player at Louisiana Tech. Despite only being 5'9, he routinely matched up well with bigger receivers, showcasing both instincts and ball skills (14 interceptions). He also didn't get enough credit for how good his tackling was. Everything about his game was fundamentally sound. Unfortunately, his status with the team shifted when Las Vegas hired a new defensive coordinator in Gus Bradley. Now guys Trayvon Mullen, Casey Heyward, and Nate Hobbs are ahead of him on the depth chart. There really isn't much of a chance he sees action despite showing marked improvement during the preseason. This includes five stops for no gain or a loss and a 78.8 passer rating when throwing in his direction. Is it possible his difficult rookie year was less about him and more about poor coaching? The Bears should aim to find out.

Robertson is a worthwhile risk for the Chicago Bears

If the Raiders aren't interested in pushing forward with his development, then he should be available for cheap. The Bears obviously need options at cornerback. He fits exactly what they look for. Tough, physical, instinctive, and plays with confidence and swagger. His tackling fits Sean Desai's defense too given how much zone he likes to play. All it takes is somebody to look past his size. Something they seem willing to do with the 5'10 Kindle Vildor. This may sound like wishful thinking but it's not. Robertson can play. He has a ton of college tape to prove it and he's not athletically lacking either. It feels like the Raiders just didn't use him properly last season, deploying him at a spot in slot corner that he had no prior experience playing. Of course, he was going to struggle. That they've already moved on is unfortunate for him but at 23-years old he still has plenty of time to realize his potential. The Chicago Bears must give him that chance.

They know Las Vegas is always open to making deals.

While no deal should be expected right now, the team may have a different stance on the idea in a few weeks. By then they'll know where their cornerback position stands. It'll either be as bad as many fear or better than expected. If it's the former, then Robertson should be a move on their radar.