Free agency and the draft are always the primary focus during the spring months in the NFL. The Chicago Bears are expected to be major players in both areas this season. They have the #3 overall pick in the draft and well over $50 million in salary cap space. Odds are the roster will undergo some significant upgrades before September arrives.
What many are wondering is the unpredictable third element of player acquisition: the trade market. Thus far GM Ryan Pace has made at least one or two deals during this period. He dealt Brandon Marshall to the Jets in 2015, then Jon Bostic and Martellus Bennett to the Patriots this past year. It's quite possible he might have another move in mind.
Of course the talk has centered around New England backup Jimmy Garoppolo and the possibility of him becoming the next Bears quarterback. However, there might be another potential move to look out for. One that stays in the parameters of Pace unloading a player for more draft picks.
The Bears secondary figures to undergo more changes before the start of the 2017 season. One of the more interesting decisions they'll have to make is what to do with Kyle Fuller. The former first round pick missed all of last season with a knee injury. His status remains up in the air. Some feel he's still worth giving one more chance while others are ready to pull the plug on another failed Phil Emery pick.
Odds are the Bears coaching staff will just keep him on for one more year. Unless a potential trade partner can be found. Turns out they may be in luck according to NFL insider Arthur Arkush of Pro Football Weekly.
https://twitter.com/ArthurArkush/status/832605282698194948
Recent news has revealed the Miami Dolphins are expected to be active on the trade market in hopes of finding help at the cornerback position. They run a 4-3 system, the same one Fuller was drafted to play in back in 2014. So they're a better fit for his skill set than Chicago at this point. He's still just 25-years old and was playing well prior to his injury before last season.
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It's not hard to think to imagine some sort of deal could get worked out. Given his age and still cheap rookie contract, the Bears could probably squeeze a fourth round pick out of Miami for him. Or they could always look to possibly do a straight player swap. This of course depending on whether there are any players the Dolphins have who would interest Chicago.
Regardless it's not a hard sell. The coaching connections and scheme fit make plenty of sense. The Bears aren't likely to start Fuller moving forward, so their use for him is limited given his lack of special teams prowess. Shipping him to a team who needs the help and getting some extra draft ammunition back in return is never a bad plan.
If nothing else the Chicago Bears trade market will be open for business.
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