Stunning Trades That Actually Make Sense For The Chicago Bears

Ryan Poles has made plenty of trades already in his two off-seasons as Chicago Bears GM. However, none of them involved taking a big swing. Most were calculated moves to stockpile draft capital. There is nothing wrong with that. Keeping a large inventory of picks is a good thing. That said, every GM reaches a point where they feel a strong swing is needed. It is a signal from the regime that this team is ready to start winning more football games. Perhaps it is too early for the Bears to consider this, but there are options.

If Poles wants to get aggressive before the start of the 2023 season, here are a few deals that are possible that would undoubtedly generate tons of buzz.

The Chicago Bears can still make splashes if they're willing.

Jaylon Johnson and a 3rd round pick to Minnesota for DE Danielle Hunter

Johnson seeks a new contract as he enters his rookie deal's fourth and final season. Complicating matters is his lack of production (one INT in his career) and missing four games with health issues in 2022. The Bears drafted two young cornerbacks in Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith, who have lots of promise. Minnesota has serious question marks at cornerback while, at the same time, a star pass rusher in Hunter that wants a renewed contract. Speculation of a trade has surrounded him for months. The Vikings have traded inside the division before. Johnson could solve their corner problem while getting a solid draft pick. The Bears get their sorely-needed pass rusher and have the money to pay him.

A 1st round pick to Washington for DE Montez Sweat

People keep talking about Chase Young. He isn't the only problem Washington has to deal with on their defensive line. They've already given big money to Jonathan Allen and Da'Ron Payne. Now Sweat is seeking one after posting eight sacks and a career-high 28 quarterback hits last season. He is 26 years old and in his prime. The Commanders may not want to invest yet another huge contract into the defensive line. Here is where the Chicago Bears can help. They have two 1st round picks next year. That means they can send one to Washington in exchange for defensive end. He's a perfect fit for Matt Eberflus' defense.

A 2nd round pick to Denver for WR Jerry Jeudy

This may sound odd since the Bears already traded for D.J. Moore. Here's the thing to remember. Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney are both free agents next year. Jeudy has two years left on his rookie contract. He is more talented than both of them and an outstanding route runner. A pairing of him and Moore would be terrific for this offense in the long term. Chicago has plenty of draft capital to spare next year. Denver has reportedly sought a 1st or 2nd round pick for Jeudy's services. The fact he almost had 1,000 yards last year in that atrocious offense should tell you something. This guy can play. There is no such thing as investing too much in wide receivers.