Already, in the past few days, we have learned of a few different possible trade candidates the Chicago Bears could choose to deal away.
Between backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and wide receiver DJ Moore, general manager Ryan Poles could be in for a busy few weeks. The Bears are up against the salary cap, of course, but would also welcome additional draft capital to help bolster some key areas of need.
One of those areas of need is on the defensive line, where one of last year's notable trade candidates plays but wasn't dealt before the deadline. Now that it's peak time for team executives and coaches to get deals done while at the NFL Combine, we heard his name resurface.
The New York Giants appear ready to move on from defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux in a trade this offseason, as reported by Giants beat reporter Connor Hughes. Ironically enough, the Giants could use some receiver help.
A DJ Moore-Kayvon Thibodeaux trade makes a ton of sense for the Chicago Bears
If the Bears dealt Moore to the Giants for Thibodeaux and a Day 3 pick swap, that very well could get it done. We've already touched on the Thibodeaux aspect of it, with the Giants' 2022 first-round pick entering his fifth and final year on that rookie contract and coming up for an extension.
The Bears could trade Moore and free up $16.5 million in the process. Depending on whether they trade Edmunds or just outright release him, that'd give the Bears another chunk ($15 million). Add in some other possible moves, and there's no reason why the Bears couldn't give Thibodeaux an extension right off the bat.
Whether or not Thibodeaux is worth the extension is a completely different discussion altogether.
However, by executing a trade like this, the Bears add a potential defensive cornerstone. Thibodeaux is just 25 years old and still has a ton of potential, and after putting up 10.5 sacks two seasons ago, we know he's capable of more.
The big question is whether or not the injury concerns are behind him, and hopefully they are.
The Giants seemed to want to entertain offers for Thibodeaux last season, and now that they look ready to part ways, Chicago is the perfect destination. Give Thibodeaux a coach like Dennis Allen, and hopefully his best days are indeed in front of him.
Read more: 3 free agents Bears could sign with money saved from a DJ Moore trade
The last thing the Bears want to do is have to accept early Day 3 draft capital for Moore, but if they had the chance to get a player like Thibodeaux in return, it feels like a no-brainer. This way, they can give Moore a new start where he'd be more involved while also addressing a major need on defense.