Chicago Bears: Five Players Who Could Be Traded
It’s been a while, Chicago Bears fans. But your favorite BearGogglesOn writer named Brennan is back. Let’s talk football.
Let’s start this piece off with a reminder: Blockbuster trades are few and far between for a reason. Don’t expect Jay Cutler, Alshon Jeffery, Kyle Long, or any other core players to be traded. Because, let’s face it, the Bears need all the help they can get. Bears General manager Ryan Pace has been given the rigorous task of cleaning up the mistakes made by the previous regime, and with a newly named General manager comes his own approach to player evaluation. In about two weeks, when Ryan Pace and John Fox are finalizing the roster, they may decide certain Bears don’t fit the mould of an ideal contributor in this ball club. Maybe they’re often injured, maybe they’re not a scheme fit, but here are five Bears that may be traded away before the season begins.
5. Will Sutton– Now, Jeremiah Ratliff has been suspended for the three games of the season. This comes as a pretty significant blow to the Bears front seven, but it’s opening up some big opportunities for Will Sutton and rookie nose guard Eddie Goldman. I have high hopes for Sutton, but I’m not holding my breath. He was dominant in college, but ideally, he’s better suited for 4-3 defense. Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio prefers big defensive linemen in his scheme. Sutton is only 6’0″ tall. I’m prepared for his playing time to diminish greatly over the course of the season. Like I said before, he was a decorated college player, so maybe the Bears could coax some interest from another ball club.
4. Brock Vereen– I’d absolutely hate to see him go, mainly because he favorited one of my Tweets once, so he’ll always hold a special place in my heart. Rookie safety Adrian Amos was recently given the starting nod over the ex-Gopher. Amos has shown, in limited playing time, to be more fluid in coverage, and a better tackler than Vereen. If these issues continue, expect him to slide down the depth chart.
3. Jonathan Bostic– Since coming to Chicago, Jon Bostic’s career has been less than stellar. And with the emergence of linebacker Christian Jones, Bostic is facing an uphill battle. I say this, and am prepared to defend myself in an argument, but I STILL BELIEVE IN JON BOSTIC. I’ve watched every game of his college career, and what I saw was a quintessential run-stuffing linebacker. He has a spot on this team, but he needs to earn it. Right now, Shea McClellin and Christian Jones are outperforming the third year linebacker. Vic Fangio’s scheme is similar to the defense he excelled at in college, so he’s able to understand the complexities of the defense, but he needs to preform.
2. Willie Young– Willie Young is falling behind. He’s coming off an injury, and he’s had a tough time adjusting to a new position. New Bears’ linebackers Sam Acho and Pernell McPhee have maximized their opportunities, meanwhile, Young has been taking reps with the third team defense. With his hand in the dirt, Young can be an effective pass rusher. Let’s not forget that Willie Young tallied 10 sacks last year, and was the teams best overall defensive player. As a 4-3 defensive end, you have to think his talents can be better utilized elsewhere. He does have some trade value, and the Bears are hurting at receiver. Who needs pass rush help? Denver? How about Willie Young for, I don’t know, say Damaryius Thomas? That’s fair, right?
1. Ka’Deem Carey– Ka’Deem Carey is in a tough spot. Jacquizz Rodgers has solidified the number two spot behind Matt Forte, he’s shown that he can be a violent runner, I mean, the man just doesn’t stop churning his legs. Behind him is rookie running back Jeremy Langford, whose made several eye-opening runs this preseason. Even Senorise Perry is proving he can be a core special teams contributor. Carey’s the odd man out. He’s flashed enough to gauge interest from other teams, so I think a trade is likely. Is he good enough to be a premier back? No one can say for sure. He doesn’t have enough game tape for anyone to judge. John Fox has seemed to always prefer a running back by committee, and my money’s on Forte, Rodgers, Langford, and Perry making the final cut.
For all things Bears, follow Brennan Lippman on Twitter: @BrennanChiBears
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