The Chicago Bears shocked a lot of people when they traded star linebacker Roquan Smith last fall. Even at the eleventh hour, many felt the two sides would find a way to make it work. There was no way GM Ryan Poles would let such a talent get away. Yet that is what happened. Chicago sent Smith to the Baltimore Ravens for 2nd and 5th round picks, leaving the defense devoid of its best player. It hurt. However, Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus had the long view in mind. They wanted somebody that fits the system better and hopefully might be cheaper.
It took a few months of patience, but the Bears finally got their guy when they signed free agent Tremaine Edmunds with a lucrative contract. Some quickly argued it was a poor replacement. Smith was a better player than Edmunds. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler confirmed this in the latest ranking of off-the-ball linebackers according to NFL coaches, players, and executives. However, they also validated the Bears' decision by complete accident. Smith was 2nd on the list, while Edmunds was 3rd. That means they got a linebacker that was practically as good for $2 million less per year, not to mention 2nd and 5th round picks along the way.
"He's such a presence out there with his size (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) and his range and ability to close on the ball that he affects the quarterback, makes him think twice about decisions," an NFL coordinator said. "You always know you have a Pro Bowl talent roaming the middle of the field when he's out there."
The Roquan Smith trade looks far better now.
Presuming Edmunds continues to play at the level he has for several years, the Bears aren't likely to miss Smith. That means if one of those two draft picks ends up being a hit, it will mean the trade was a rousing success. The two players involved are defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and linebacker Noah Sewell. Both have already shown promise in early practices. Neither has to become a star. If they can turn themselves into a solid starter alongside Edmunds, that would be a big win for the Bears.
This may end up being one of the rare trades where it works out for both teams. Baltimore got themselves a badly-needed leader in the middle of their defense. Somebody they haven't had since C.J. Mosely left. Roquan Smith is a stud and will remain one for years to come. Even so, the Bears have the even-more versatile Edmunds in the fold on a cheaper contract. They also got two other young, athletic pieces for their defense. Neither side seems overly displeased by this turn of events.
