The Chicago Bears are in a bit of a difficult position. They have a number of needs on their roster but not a lot of resources to fix them. Currently, they sit between $24-26 million in salary cap space. On top of that, they've traded away their 1st, 3rd, and 4th round picks in the draft this year. GM Ryan Pace can't go spending wildly on the open market. So he may have to get strategic.
Albert Breer of the MMQB believes he knows what one way that will happen. It involves carefully planned trades. Not the blockbuster kind that secured Khalil Mack and Mitch Trubisky. These instead would involve players who are set to come out of their rookie contracts in the near future. Young talents who are still relatively cheap that could help the Bears in the short-term.
"Keep an eye on the Bears looking to augment their roster with a trade over the next couple months. Their cap situation will make it tough to be too active on the free agent market, but if there are players late in their rookie contracts made available, that’s one place where GM Ryan Pace could creatively improve what remains a win-now roster."
It's not a terrible idea. Other teams do this sort of thing a lot. The New England Patriots being an example. All it comes down to is finding the right fit. So who are some possible names to watch?
Chicago Bears could have a few intriguing options
David Njoku (TE, Cleveland Browns)
It's hardly a secret the Bears desperately need tight end help. Somebody who can command attention in the passing game. Njoku flashed loads of potential for this in Cleveland. However, injuries and a falling out with the previous coaching staff has left his status in limbo. Nobody is sure whether the new Browns regime is interested in keeping a disgruntled player coming off a disappointing year. Njoku is only 24-years old. He could be a worthwhile gamble.
John Ross (WR, Cincinnati Bengals)
The #1 priority in the minds of many for the Bears offense is speed. They don't have nearly enough of it. Now after cutting Taylor Gabriel, they have even less. So targeting a receiver who can burn would be an obvious move. John Ross has been on a bit of a roller coaster in Cincinnati for years. He disappointed his first two years before having a decent 2019 with 500 yards. As the team moves forward with rebuilding, they could make him available to add more draft currency. Ross averaged 18.1 yards per catch last year, so he can run.
Raekwon McMillan (ILB, Miami Dolphins)
The Bears have an issue developing at inside linebacker. Danny Trevathan and Nick Kwiatkoski are both free agents. They have to figure out who to pay. Well what if they decided to pay neither? McMillan has a paltry cap number of just $1.4 million in 2020 and has averaged 88 tackles over the past two years. He's been a solid player in Miami but with the team rebuilding, they could easily jump at the chance to secure another draft pick before he becomes a free agent next year. The Bears would get a cheap player next to Roquan Smith who is still just 24.
Xavier Woods (S, Dallas Cowboys)
Dallas is in a compromising position. Most of their financial focus is on making sure they're able to keep Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper in Cowboys uniforms. This has forced them to make sacrifices elsewhere. Byron Jones is already out the door. It's possible safety Xavier Woods could follow. He's developed into a quietly solid player for them, posting 77 tackles and two interceptions last season. His versatility to drop down in the box or play deep coverage is underrated and something the Bears would love having next to Eddie Jackson.
