Ryan Pace deserves a pat on the back. For all his well-deserved criticisms on mishandling the Chicago Bears offense, he's done phenomenal work on the defense. The front seven, in particular, is almost a work of art. It started with Eddie Goldman back in 2015. Soon it grew to include Akiem Hicks, Danny Trevathan, Roquan Smith, and Khalil Mack. Now Robert Quinn, who had 11.5 sacks in 2019, will take over at outside linebacker for Leonard Floyd.
That is an impressive unit on paper.
Most GMs would feel more than secure going into this season with that group. However, it's isn't a crime to aim for the moon when building something. Even though Pace has already done plenty, he should go for the throat now. With the Houston Texans selling off their star players left and right lately, the Bears need to engage them in conversations about defensive end J.J. Watt.
J.J. Watt would make something special for Chicago Bears
It sounds ridiculous at first though. However, a closer inspection says otherwise. Houston already traded Jadeveon Clowney a year ago. Then they sent shockwaves across the NFL last month when they shipped superstar receiver DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona. It's clear head coach Bill O'Brien, who doubles as the team GM now, isn't afraid of shipping out what he considers overpriced players. Even if they're big names.
Watt could be another one of those guys. He is currently the highest-paid player on the team, commanding $15.5 million against the cap. This is a problem from O'Brien's perspective because he has contract extensions coming up both for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and quarterback Deshaun Watson. Those are going to be expensive. The idea of securing that extra cash and a draft pick would sound appetizing.
There is no question Watt is a beloved icon in Houston, but from O'Brien's perspective, he's a less reliable one. The defensive end played in just eight games last year. In the past four seasons, he made it through just one healthy. As time goes on, it's likely his value will only continue to shrink.
This is why the Bears could pounce.
Obviously the money would be a difficult hurdle. Chicago has just $10.8 million in cap space according to OverTheCap.com. Still, they should be able to make a couple of contract moves that could free up enough cash to absorb Watt and still have just enough left for their upcoming draft class. The potential payoff in return would be incredible.
Just think about a front that features Mack, Hicks, Quinn, and Watt. That is a front that could wreak devastation on quarterbacks. Yes there are health risks, but the reward far outweighs that. Pace shouldn't think about it too much. Offer Houston a 3rd round pick in 2021 and see how they react.
Time has shown the Texans may surprise you.
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