DeForest Buckner To The Bears? ESPN Can See It

The Chicago Bears have several needs they must fill if they're going to become winners in 2023. It starts with the trenches. Both the offensive and defensive lines need significant work. Chicago has the worst pass rush in the NFL by a country mile. The group lacks star power. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus will seek ways to fix it when the off-season begins next March. There will be options in free agency and the draft. However, one should not overlook the trade market too. One name that might become available is DeForest Buckner.

The big defensive tackle has been one of the most dominating forces in the NFL over the past five years. He has 44 sacks in that span, with 96 additional hits on the quarterback. Eberflus knows him well from their time together in Indianapolis. He would be a perfect fit for what the Bears require and will still only be 29 years old next season. Perhaps they might explore the idea of trading for him. Courtney Cronin of ESPN seems to think this is a real possibility.

The Colts traded a first-round pick to the 49ers in exchange for Buckner in 2019 and promptly extended him on a four-year deal worth $84 million. With no guaranteed money remaining on the final two years of his contract, Buckner may want to play somewhere else as Indianapolis appears headed for a rebuild. A trade would reunite him with Eberflus and cement the “engine” in Chicago’s defense.

DeForest Buckner would be a great bridge option.

If the Bears don't think they can land that true difference-maker at the three-technique position, then a trade for him makes sense. Presuming he stays healthy, Buckner should have around three or four good seasons left in him. That would buy Chicago time to fill out other positions of need, and they can return to the problem later. As always, it comes down to price. If the Colts seek multiple high picks for him, then it's not a deal the Bears should make. However, if he can be had for a 3rd or 4th rounders, then Poles and Eberflus absolutely should consider it.

Money isn't an issue. The Bears can easily afford the two years remaining DeForest Buckner has on his contract. They may even seek to give him a minor one or two-year extension to lock him in place. Adding him to the mix would provide Poles the green light to seek out a top edge rusher in the NFL draft. That could instantly turn the Bears' entire front around. As always, there are many variables in such situations. This depends on what the Colts plan to do with their roster.