A Crazy Trade Idea The Chicago Bears Can And Should Explore
The Chicago Bears are going to explore any and all options once the 2023 off-season begins. They have loads of needs to fill. Thankfully, they seem to have the resources to handle several of them this time. It comes down to what GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus consider the top priorities. The defense is obviously a focal point. It has become one of the worst in the NFL over the past few months, especially up front. They need help. However, Justin Fields has fast become the unquestioned best player on this team. Building around him might be the quickest path to winning.
That involves two areas: the offensive line and wide receivers. The latter could be a challenge for the Bears. The free agent market looks barren, while the draft doesn’t feature any “can’t-miss” prospects compared to last year. It means they might have to get creative if they want to land help. That often comes via the trade market. Chicago already dabbled with this once by sending a 2nd round pick to Pittsburgh for Chase Claypool. Is there another deal out there to be made?
Possibly. One name that might pick up steam next spring is Michael Pittman Jr. of the Indianapolis Colts. Here’s why the Bears might have a shot.
The Chicago Bears have what the Colts need.
Team owner Jim Irsay made a power move last month when he fired head coach Frank Reich in favor of Jeff Saturday. It is hardly a stretch to think he will do the same this off-season, putting in a demand to make finding a quarterback the top priority. That will require securing a top five pick if they want one of the three guys projected to go that high. Chicago is almost guaranteed to have one when the season ends next month. So a deal between the two teams would make sense. It comes down o what the Colts can offer.
They likely won’t want to give up more future high draft choices after the Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan deals flopped. In such situations, the best thing they can do is offer a player the opposing team may have an interest in. This is where Pittman comes in. He’s entering a contract year in 2023 and has emerged as one of the most intriguing young receivers in the NFL with his 6’4 frame and underrated speed. He had over 1,000 yards in 2021 and can crack it again this year (755 yards with four games left). So why would Indianapolis trade him?
The presence of ascending rookie Alec Pierce means they have another receiving weapon they can turn to. This way, they don’t have to pay Pittman and won’t have to give up too many extra draft picks to go get their quarterback. The Colts hold the 9th overall pick. A future 1st, Pittman, and maybe a few later selections might be enough to swing a deal that both sides would be happy with. The Chicago Bears get another quality target for their quarterback and are still high enough to secure a top 10 prospect.