Monday the Chicago Bears moved linebackers Jared Allen and Jon Bostic, both for sixth round picks, which sparked speculation that the Bears had opened the doors to Halas Hall in what appeared to be a “fire sale.”
Simply put… the Bears moved a few square pegs, nothing more.
Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Allen was the Bears’ “big get” of the 2014 offseason and after a disappointing campaign, fans immediately questioned Allen’s production at his age. After the Bears added new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio the past offseason, the team announced they would be switching to a 3-4 base, moving Allen to an outside linebacker spot. In principle, the 33-year-old veteran would be doing the same things he had been doing for over a decade. Through training camp, Allen seemed upbeat about the transition, saying it helped to keep him fresh in his old age.
Allen finished his time with the Bears with 61 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and one interception
BearGogglesOn writer Mike Flannery covered the trade in-depth, take a look at his article here.
Jon Bostic was the second round pick of the Bears’ in 2013 and like any high pick, high expectations followed … unfortunately for Bears fans, Bostic often looked out-of-place but had decent-ish production when he was on the field. Having appeared in every game of his rookie season and 13 of 16 in 2014. Media and fans had speculated about Bostic’s potential on Fangio’s 3-4 defense, some even suggesting he could become a starter for the Bears. Bostic didn’t suit up for a Bears regular season game in 2015, which lead to his trade.
Overall, Bostic was very underwhelming during his time in Chicago, especially for a second round selection, finishing his time with the Bears with 140 tackles, two sacks, and one interception.
Mike also covered the Bostic trade in a separate article, which you can read here.
During the media’s “fire sale” frenzy, several outlets rumored the potential of the Bears trading veteran running back Matt Forte and up-and-comer Alshon Jeffery. Though it had been speculated for some time the Bears would be wise to move Forte for peanuts while they can, it seems like the team is waiting for the right offer to come around if they decide to trade him even at that time. Jeffery looks like a building block for the future and the Bears have all control over his contract situation, should he refuse to sign a contract, the team can franchise tag him.
Ryan Pace and John Fox are simply taking what they can for players that do not fit the team’s manifesto, ultimately they can acquire extra picks that lead to real contributors to the team and the long term vision of the new regime.