Call it a hunch, but I think the Bears have a boring offseason in front of them.
That's not to say it's not important, but it doesn't feel like the type offseason that fuels the SEO juggernaut that dictates all of our jobs here on the internet. From a team-building perspective, building out from the lines is the smart thing to do; it is, unfortunately, not very clickable work. And frankly it's kind of rude of the Bears to not consider my headlines throughout the process.
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But we might have a fix. What if I told you there's a way that the Bears could address vital (i.e. boring) roster holes AND keep it exciting? Oh, you already know what I'm talking about? Because you are also on the internet too much? Fair enough.
For those who are still trying to fix their algorithm and maybe missed this, it was reported this morning that Commanders Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was given permission to seek a trade this offseason. He's in the last year of his deal and it doesn't sound like he's in the team's longterm plans.
Bears could pair Commanders' DL Jonathan Allen with Montez Sweat, just like old times
"The Commanders have granted permission to Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen to seek a trade, per multiple reports," Ari Meriov reported. "Allen is in the final year of his contract and none of the money is guaranteed."
Ooooooooh. That's interesting. The Bears are in somewhat-desperate need for defensive line help, and while a star edge rusher would probably be plan A, any help will be better than what's currently on the roster. Allen's time in D.C. has been kinda weird – injuries have played a roll, but he's been a productive player for them during his time there and they just, kinda ... don't seem to want him anymore?
Sounds awfully familiar to another Commanders defensive lineman from that era! One that is maybe now on the Bears? And one that would almost certainly welcome his old teammate onto his new team? It's not like Allen and the Bears haven't been connected before, and the Bears are going to have to spend this offseason's money somewhere.
This is a win-win. Allen gets to find a trade, Sweat gets a defensive line partner that can make his life easier, and I get to write about lineman with actual SEO. And that's what football is all about.