3 Trade packages the Chicago Bears can offer for DeAndre Hopkins
Chicago Bears trade scenario No. 3
Many fans won’t like the idea of sending Trevis Gipson to the Arizona Cardinals, but he’s entering the final year of his contract and struggled in Matt Eberflus’ system. He’d be better suited to play in the Cardinals’ base 3.-4 scheme assuming they keep that front with their new coaching staff in 2023. Obviously, Gipson has experience in both systems, but he had seven sacks in 2021 playing as an outside linebacker compared to only three in 2022 with his hand in the dirt. Even his tackle numbers were down this season and his tackles for loss dropped from seven to only four.
In this scenario, the Chicago Bears are sending away a player drafted by Ryan Pace, not Ryan Poles. He’s a young player who deserves to be in the NFL, but he cannot be counted on as a starting edge rusher. DeAndre Hopkins might only be in Chicago for two seasons, but they can also look to address the wide receiver position in other ways in 2023 and address it again in 2024. Should they trade down (as they should) from the first-overall pick, then they might even have the draft capital to move up in 2024 for Marvin Harrison, Jr.
Again, I’m not sold on the idea of trading for DeAndre Hopkins. He’d obviously be an upgrade and give Justin Fields the weapon he needs to prove he can succeed in this league as a passer. The problem is that he’s not a long-term solution and Ryan Poles seems to be the type of general manager who covets young, athletic talent over aging, proven veterans.
What do you think? Would you make any of these trades? Would you make a different trade for Hopkins or just say no to the idea completely?