With the Chicago Bears still having a need for an edge rusher, many fans want Ryan Poles to pull off a blockbuster trade for Cincinnati Bengals' star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Hendrickson provided an update on the lack of contract negotiations with the Bengals last week, with the biggest indication being that the two sides are far apart from reaching a new deal. Hnedrickson's frustration with the Bengals has only created more speculation that he will be on the trade block this summer.
While Bears fans are hoping for a trade, one insider doesn't see the move all that likely. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune all but shut the rumor down while joining 670 The Score's morning show on Wednesday.
"If you feel like you're within striking distance of the Super Bowl and you're short at that position, that's a move you consider," Biggs told The Mully and Haugh Show.
Pump the brakes on the Trey Hendrickson trade rumor
One point of contention with Biggs' assessment is that the Bears' actions have suggested that they are working with the next two years as a contention window. Signing Joe Thuney to a two-year contract extension is proof of that. Furthermore, the Bears can't go the length of Caleb Williams' rookie contract without having the expectation of contending.
Let's make the assumption that Williams does take a step forward in his development under Ben Johnson this season. If he does, the case can easily be made that the Bears will be a playoff contender. At that point, the difference between the Bears being a playoff contender and a Super Bowl contender would be a player that can provide an impact on defense such as Hendrickson.
Sure, to Biggs' point, as currently constructed, the Bears are not a Super Bowl contender. However, what isn't being factored in is the impact that Hendrickson's arrival would have. Teams acquire a player like Hendrickson for the purpose of becoming a Super Bowl contender.