Unlike the trades of Brandon Marshall and Martellus Bennett, there really is no way for the Chicago Bears brass to justify losing Alshon Jeffery. Nothing besides simple questions of money. Jeffery believes he's worth a certain amount and it seems like Pace hasn't been willing to meet it. This latest season probably didn't help matters. Jeffery posted over 800 yards in 12 games but missed the other four thanks to a PED violation.
There is a growing belief that the team will not overpay to keep him or use the franchise tag for a second time. In other words they will allow him to test the open market. Odds in that situation clearly say another team is almost certain to make him an offer he'll accept. Thus the Bears lose another productive pass target for almost nothing.
Not a good situation considering the fact that the team is about to make a franchise-altering change at the quarterback position. If Pace is really going through with this, just what can he do to cover up that loss? Kevin White and Cameron Meredith are hardly reliable options. Eddie Royal can't stay healthy. Both free agency and the draft don't look overly exciting.
Is there any way to counter such a loss?
That depends on how aggressive Pace is willing to be. All signs to date have indicated the young GM views this off-season as the most important of his career and the teams' future under his guidance. Not surprising after a 3-13 season. There are a ton of holes on the roster to fill and losing Jeffery would open up another massive one.
One way the Bears might be able to deal with that loss is via the trade market. For those who don't remember, two months ago there were rumors swirling about former New Orleans Saints first round pick Brandin Cooks possibly being available. Adam Schefter of ESPN wrote about it.
"Multiple teams believe that New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks' name could surface in trade talks this offseason, sources told ESPN. Cooks has acknowledged frustration with his role in the Saints' offense, expressing himself after a zero-target day against the Los Angeles Rams last week. He believes he is used too often as a clear-out receiver instead of as a primary option, sources told ESPN's Mike Triplett. Cooks would be one of the most valuable commodities the Saints have and could bring plenty in return."There are some reasons to think the Saints would do this. For one, they've already done it before with Jimmy Graham in their deal to Seattle. Since then their offense has barely missed a beat. Besides that there is the sudden rise of other young receiver Michael Thomas. The rookie was outstanding for New Orleans in 2016, posting 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns. His mix of size and playmaking ability is something they can definitely build around. Then there is the matter of the defense. The Saints are starved for playmakers on that side of the ball. Outside of Cameron Jordan there is really nobody on the depth chart opponents fear. With Drew Brees aging, their window to take one more crack at a Super Bowl is closing. A sacrifice of Cooks in order to get help on that side of the ball might be worth it. Don't forget that he is also a free agent in 2018. This could be the solution the Bears are hoping for. Ryan Pace worked for the Saints for over a decade as a scout and executive. He knows their coaching staff and their GM Mickey Loomis very well. So trade discussions wouldn't be a huge communication problem. Also he has something the Saints would covet. The #3 overall pick in the draft. By offering Cooks and perhaps their third round pick as compensation to the Bears, the Saints could jump those eight spots from their #11 position. This would give them a prime opportunity to select a top defender in the class. Perhaps a dynamic defensive lineman to pair with Jordan like Jonathan Allen or Solomon Thomas. Meanwhile Chicago gets an extra pick and more devastating speed in their offense. [video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Brandin-Cooks-Burns-the-Raiders-for-a-98-Yard-TD-Catch-from-Brees-Raiders-vs.-Saints-NFL.mp4"][/video] [video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Drew-Brees-Hits-Brandin-Cooks-for-65-Yard-TD-then-45-Yard-TD-NFL-Week-15-Highlights.mp4"][/video] A combination of Cooks, White and Meredith sounds infinitely more appetizing that whatever else the team could probably put together via free agency or the draft. It also keeps them in reasonable reach of the top 10 which will be loaded with top defensive backs at both cornerback and safety. It is genuinely a win-win for them. That's not even counting the extra pick, which could be used as ammunition in another trade to get the quarterback they'll need as well. Time will tell whether such a Chicago Bears Brandin Cooks union can happen. Best thing to do is watch the Jeffery situation carefully.
