Pros and Cons to the Chicago Bears trading for Laviska Shenault Jr.

The argument against the Chicago Bears trading for Laviska Shenault Jr.

One of the major complaints against Laviska Shenault Jr. is his lack of production and his drops.

And while those are absolutely fair pieces of criticism, it’s important to look at what’s causing the lack of production. Is it the fault of Shenault– didn’t even mean to rhyme there– or is it a result of a poor system?

Well, both can be true, but it’s fairer to say the system and leaders let Laviska Shenault down more than Laviska Shenault let down the systems and leaders.

One of the biggest knocks towards Laviska Shenault Jr. is his inability to score a single receiving touchdown in 2021. That stat sticks out like a sore thumb, but in Shenault’s defense, his five rookie-season receiving touchdowns are impressive, especially when looking at who was throwing him the ball.

However, one of his biggest issues is dropping the ball. In only ten starts last season, Shenault had eight drops. His 63% catch percentage in 2021 raised an eyebrow, as well as his lack of scoring any touchdowns.

And in terms of the lack of production, is it fair to blame Laviska Shenault? It’s fair to say he did the best he could– or close to it– with what he was given.

Shenault also didn’t come from a powerhouse of a football school– the Colorado Buffaloes– and while that hasn’t stopped prior receivers from lacking production, the factors against Laviska Shenault aren’t as strong as the points towards.

A downside of getting Laviska Shenault now instead of when his contract is up in 2024 is that the Chicago Bears would have to trade for him, rather than just winning a low-effort bidding war.

However, whatever the Chicago Bears send to Jacksonville to acquire Laviska Shenault could be seen as too much. Unless the offer is, say, a sixth-round pick, then the Bears made the right move. It’s just hard to say whether that’s going to be the price to get Shenault.

Being able to produce in an offense that hasn’t produced much is something that could drive up his trade stock, but if the Jaguars are allegedly shopping him, the Chicago Bears should absolutely look into it.