A New Trade Solution To Chicago Bears D-Line Problem Has Emerged
The Chicago Bears did about everything they possibly could to position themselves for a legitimate playoff run this coming season. Jaylon Johnson got his contract extension, and Kevin Byard came in to fortify the safety position. On offense, they added Keenan Allen, Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, and D’Andre Swift in two months. On paper, this is one of the more talented rosters the Bears have fielded in years. Yet one truth remains inevitable. There is always one need that never quite gets properly addressed.
This time around, it was the defensive line. Chicago lost both Yannick Ngakoue and Justin Jones to free agency. The only notable addition they’ve made was 5th round pick Austin Booker. While he could turn into something serious given time, it is hard to feel like that front four is better than it was last year. Maybe the Bears are willing to live with that for this season, but opportunities could be out there to solve the issue. One of them could involve going back to the same well that landed them Montez Sweat last year. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN has more.
Having three talented tackles is hardly a bad thing, but a few league execs are wondering if Washington will ever consider offers for (Jonathan) Allen, who is due $15.4 million this year and $16.5 million next, below market for high-end tackles.
The people I’ve talked to believe Washington will need to either rework his contract eventually or decide whether it will entertain trade interest, which it has rebuffed in the past. But, for now, head coach Dan Quinn can concoct a plan to get all three defensive tackles on the field.
Allen would be a great addition to the Chicago Bears.
Over the past three seasons, the defensive tackle has reached two Pro Bowls and collected 22 sacks. He remains one of the best interior pass rushers in the league. At 29 years old, Allen has two years left on his current contract. The cap hits sit at $21 million and $23 million, respectively. Chicago doesn’t have the cap space for that as things stand, but it wouldn’t be difficult to free up enough should they wish to. It comes down to whether Washington is willing to trade him and what the price tag is.
Remember, Sweat went for a 2nd round pick last year, and he was three years younger. It is fair to say Allen would likely cost somewhere around a 3rd round pick unless Washington was willing to eat a lot of that salary. Don’t forget the Chicago Bears have four picks in the first three rounds next year. They can afford such a price tag if that is what the Commanders seek. The fact they drafted Jer’Zhan Newton in the 2nd round makes this scenario far more plausible than a month ago.