Another N’Keal Harry Trade Flier That Makes Sense For The Bears

Ryan Poles proved one thing last year as GM of the Chicago Bears. He isn’t afraid to take minor gambles on former 1st round picks. He claimed Alex Leatherwood off waivers from the Raiders when he was cut. Then he traded for wide receiver N’Keal Harry from New England for a 7th round pick. Neither move did much to change the status quo for the Bears, but history does show that taking such risks can pay off from time to time. That is why it isn’t crazy to think Poles will continue doing so.

The obvious question is who the Bears could look into this time. When scanning the NFL landscape, one name that sticks out is K’lavon Chaisson. The former LSU standout was a 1st round pick of Jacksonville in 2020. He was a key member of that Tigers team that romped to a national championship. Draft analysts loved his mix of speed and athleticism. He has good length and, by all accounts, was a terrific locker room guy. For whatever reason, he hasn’t been able to get going in the pros.

Part of the problem is the sheer turnover of the Jaguars’ coaching staff. Chaisson’s had three different defensive coordinators in three years. It’s hard to find any success that way. Worse still, the organization has made multiple moves that put his roster status in doubt.

Chaisson has more to offer than N’Keal Harry.

He’s still 23 years old. Remarkably young for someone going into his fourth season. One thing about coming to Chicago is he would actually get opportunities to play. After logging over 300 pass rush snaps as a rookie, Chaisson only has 192 over the past two seasons. It is hard to make progress when you’re not allowed to play. Acquiring him wouldn’t cost much. The Jaguars clearly have no interest in using him. The Bears would get somebody motivated to prove something. His second contract is coming up soon. Rebounding in Chicago would be the ideal opportunity.

N’Keal Harry was a fun diversion last year. Yet nobody felt his odds of finally taking off were high. Not in a new offensive system with a young quarterback. It would be different with Chaisson. He’d come under the guidance of a veteran coaching staff in a system that is far simpler than the ones he’s worked in thus far. He fits every criterion this regime looks for. Great athlete. Great character. Hard worker. What he needs is proper guidance. If Matt Eberflus can’t get him straightened out, nobody can.