How Does The 2018 NFL Trade Deadline Affect The Chicago Bears?

As the Chicago Bears opted to do nothing at the NFL’s annual trade deadline, their NFC North Foes decided to make some moves. However, the question must be asked, how do these moves impact the Chicago Bears?

Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Pace isn’t known for making big moves during the NFL’s regular season. In fact, his biggest acquisition to this day is trading for Khalil Mack eight days before the start of the 2018 NFL Regular Season.

Heading into Tuesday, there were rumors swirling that the Bears could potentially make a move.

First, Running Back Jordan Howard was the center of attention.

Next, it was Edge Rusher Leonard Floyd who on Sunday, was reportedly drawing interest from several teams. But again, nothing happened. Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported that Floyd could “potentially” be on the move.

While the Bears did nothing, their NFC North opponents made notable moves that can help the Bears.

First, the Detriot Lions traded wide receiver Golden Tate to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round draft pick. The 30-year old has averaged 11.9 yards per reception in his nine-year NFL career. With the Lions, he was a deep threat, big-play receiver who was a big part of the Lions offense for four years.

Essentially, the Bears benefit as Tate has been a major factor over the last few years when Chicago plays Detroit.

Next, the Bears biggest rivals-the Green Bay Packers-traded away two players who have been regular starters for the last three years. Green Bay first shipped out starting running back Ty Montgomery to the Baltimore Ravens, meaning Chicago will no longer be seeing Montgomery. In week one against the Bears, Montgomery averaged 10.5 yards per reception.

Moments later, the Packers shipped out starting Saftey Ha-Ha Clinton Dix to the Washington Redskins. The former first-round pick emerged as one of the better safeties in the NFL and totaled seven tackles against the Bears in week one.

Essentially, on a day where the Bears made no major moves, they still come out winners as three major starters were shipped out of the NFC North. And now, as the playoff race begins to heat up, not having to deal with an electric wide receiver like Golden Tate or a quality defensive back in Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. In fact, one could argue that the Bears benefit from these moves more than the teams who actually were involved in the trades did.