Chicago Bears Trade Talks Reportedly May Include Veteran Player

The Chicago Bears are wide open to dealing the #1 overall pick. Everybody knows that by this point. GM Ryan Poles admitted it's something he is interested in. What matters is whether he gets the offer he is looking for. The only thing clear right now is that multiple teams are in communication with the Bears. Compensation is the key. Poles undoubtedly has his heart set on multiple extra high picks, including a future 1st rounder. While certain teams may be willing to offer that, others might not want to.

One way to circumvent such a problem is by offering a player in the trade. It's been done in the past. San Diego gave up All-Pro return man Eric Metcalf and picks in 1998 for #2 overall. The Colts gave up Pro Bowl guard Chris Hinton and productive receiver Andre Rison in 1990 for the rights to #1 from Atlanta. Including a player would ease the requirement of several picks in the package. According to Adam Hoge of CHGO, there are rumblings that some teams interested in #1 overall are considering this course of action.

"Other things I’m hearing from the NFL Combine…

...Don’t be surprised if a Bears trade back involves receiving a veteran player in return. Or if draft capital received in the trade is quickly flipped for a veteran player."

There are several possibilities for the Chicago Bears.

Much of this depends on which teams are involved in this line of thinking. It could be any of them. It comes down to whether they have somebody the Bears would be interested in. Based on the timeline of their rebuild, it would have to be somebody that fills a need for them and is at least a few years under 30. Here are some that might make sense.

• Indianapolis Colts (#4): OLB Shaq Leonard
• Las Vegas Raiders (#7): EDGE Maxx Crosby
• Atlanta Falcons (#8): CB A.J. Terrell
• Carolina Panthers (#9): EDGE Brian Burns
• Tennessee Titans (#11): DL Jeffery Simmons

Remember, the Colts shifted defensive schemes under new coordinator Gus Bradley. He may not value Leonard as Eberflus did in previous years. Crosby and Burns are two of the best young edge rushers in the game. Simmons might be the most fearsome defensive tackle in the NFL not named Aaron Donald. Any of these guys would be instant upgrades for a Chicago Bears front seven that was brutal last season. It will be interesting to see if this is how it might go.