ESPN Connects Chicago Bears To Surprise Name On Trade Market

Nobody knows for sure what will happen at the November 5th trade deadline, but almost everybody believes the Chicago Bears will do something. Right now, the bulk of rumors indicate they could unload one or two players for future draft capital. Khalil Herbert and Nate Davis are the two names that come up the most. Both have been benched for different reasons and don't seem to have a clear path back to playing time. If other teams are interested in them, a trade would make sense.

However, GM Ryan Poles is typically known for acquiring players this time of year. Chase Claypool and Montez Sweat show that. The Bears may want to seek out another playmaker, and Seth Walder of ESPN believes there is one who fits their needs. It certainly isn't who you think.

"Which player should they target? Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard. He's playing well and averaging 5.2 yards per carry, but the Panthers are noncontenders, Hubbard is in the final year of his deal and Carolina drafted Jonathon Brooks in the second round to be its future at running back."

This idea isn't totally crazy for the Chicago Bears.

Yes, D'Andre Swift has played better over the past few weeks. However, he's been the beneficiary of playing some rough defenses. Once the schedule starts getting tougher, it is hard to imagine the Bears will be able to run the ball consistently with their current lineup. Herbert is a bad fit for Shane Waldron's scheme. Roschon Johnson is a good short-yardage back but doesn't have enough explosiveness for a full-time role. Hubbard has been a steady, reliable workhorse in Carolina despite their obvious offensive issues. He would be a great rotational option with Swift, giving the Chicago Bears a bigger back who still has some explosive juice. Whether or not it happens depends on what compensation the Panthers want.

Given his contract situation and his position, Hubbard will likely not cost more than a 6th round pick. That should be the ceiling price Poles puts on him. It will be interesting to see if he's ready to give up capital for what would be a rental at running back.