3 players the Chicago Bears could trade for if Broncos continue with fire sale
The Chicago Bears should find out what it would cost for Garett Bolles
With the Braxton Jones injury potentially keeping him out for the 2023 season, Ryan Poles could look to improve the Chicago Bears offensive line by making a trade for Garett Bolles instead. I like the potential of Braxton Jones, but if you can add a left tackle like Bolles, even at 31 years old, then you do it. Jones can learn in the wings and then you have a swing tackle who could potentially take over if he proves himself worthy of holding down that spot.
Larry Borom is holding down the left tackle spot while Jones is on injured reserve. He has played admirably, but Borom is not a long-term starter in this league. If Poles were able to land a trade for Garett Bolles that didn't require a first-round pick, that would be fantastic. If Chicago can find a way to send nothing higher than a second-rounder, then it would be worth it.
Bolles is in the second-to-last year of a four-year contract worth $68 million. If Chicago were able to trade for him, they'd have him this season and next. Bolles would come in next year as the ninth highest-paid left tackle in the league with a cap hit of $20 million. That's just below Terron Armstead. I'd gladly pay that for his production. Last season, Bolles let up only one sack while giving up 10 pressures in 325 snaps. He only played in the first five games before breaking his leg. Prior to this injury, he's never been on injured reserve.
Bolles' best season came in 2020 when he didn't allow a single sack and only gave up 13 pressures all season. He has been a dominant pass-blocking left tackle and an above-average run-blocker. If Poles was able to keep the two first-round picks they have next season, they could draft a wide receiver like Marvin Harrison, Jr. and one of the top edge rushers. If they cannot make this trade, then it's more likely the team will look to select one of the top left tackles like Joe Alt or Olu Fashanu
Trent Williams, granted he refused to play, went for a fifth-rounder and future third-rounder. If the Broncos are willing, then this trade could be possible. Ryan Poles should be very familiar with Bolles due to his time in the same division while working for the Chiefs.