Looking at the Chicago Bears' pass rush, it's easy to understand why many fans are sore that the team didn't push harder to get Micah Parsons. He could've given this group the jolt it needed to become formidable. Instead, they have to watch him rev up the Green Bay Packers' front every week. However, the perspective is not the same as others around the NFL. While Parson absolutely would've helped the Bears, his impact wouldn't have been what it needed to be to justify the cost.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune spoke with an executive from another team about it. From his perspective, the Bears did the right thing. Why? Until they know what they truly have in Caleb Williams at quarterback, there is zero reason to waste resources on a trade for somebody like Parsons.
“Great talent. Instantly elevates every team in the league,” he said. “But you make that move, you are saying, ‘We’re ready to win right now, at least challenge for a conference championship.’ That’s exactly what you’re declaring if you are trading away multiple first-round picks. There’s no more runway to prepare for that championship chase when you’ve mortgaged the future in that manner.
“Saying that, the Bears are not in that position. Maybe they can get there with Ben (Johnson). They’ve got to find out if the quarterback is their guy. Isn’t that what this season is about?”
Right now, Williams hasn't shown nearly enough to convince people he's a franchise guy. There are flashes, but no consistency. Until that changes, the Bears must manage their capital carefully. They can't afford to fall into the same trap they did seven years ago.
Micah Parsons might've been another Khalil Mack.
The Bears went down this road in 2018. They gave up the bag for the Raiders' superstar. His impact was immediate, elevating the defense to #1 in the NFL and helping them win the division. However, that's as far as the Bears got. Mitch Trubisky never progressed at quarterback. That reality sank in over the next few seasons. Even as the defense remained solid, it couldn't carry the team. Soon, the hefty contract became a problem, and the lost draft picks from the trade hurt their chances to keep the roster strong.
The Packers are in a different mindset. They already paid Jordan Love, meaning they believe he is good enough to win a championship with. That is why they went for broke with Micah Parsons. Their clock is now ticking. A three-year window exists for them to claim the prize before the money and lost picks catch up.
