Ryan Poles can fix Bears' glaring problem with yet another Panthers trade

Through the first two games of the 2024 season, it's been difficult to get a real assessment of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and what he is capable of as a pro. Of course, there will be rookie struggles. But, his first two outings have been significantly hampered by the team's glaring weakness.

To no one's surprise, we're talking about the offensive line and, particularly, the interior.

Center Coleman Shelton and guard Nate Davis have looked like the two worst players on the field for the Bears, through two games, and it hasn't been particularly close. Williams is seeing constant pressure from directly in front of him. Meanwhile, the run game cannot get going because D'Andre Swift and company are attempting to run through literal walls.

Now, completely fixing the interior of the offensive line isn't going to happen with one specific move, nor will it happen this year -- at least, it isn't likely.

But, general manager Ryan Poles can make an effort to improve it, and that's where this idea is headed.

Once upon a time, the Bears made a trade with the Carolina Panthers. You might remember it, actually.

You know ... the one which landed Chicago the likes of D.J. Moore, Caleb Williams, Darnell Wright, Tyrique Stevenson and a 2025 second-round pick? Yeah, that one.

If the Bears wanted to, once again, they could reach out to Carolina and ask about doing business. This time, it would involved one of their interior offensive linemen.

The Panthers are a mess and the Bears should take advantage

At the moment, the Panthers have benched second-year quarterback Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton, the former Bear. First-year head coach Dave Canales is now being heavily questioned and criticized for the decision just days after offering support for Young as the team's starter.

With Carolina many years away from competing, it might be time for the Panthers to sell at this year's trade deadline, if not well beforehand.

More Bears news:

The Panthers have a pair of guards which could be of use for the Bears; one far more expensive than the other.

First, Robert Hunt would be worth checking in on. The 28-year-old is in the first year of a five-year, $100 million contract and is currently graded as the second-best pass blocking guard in football, per PFF.

As one of the best guards in football, the Bears would be getting a long-term fix, here. But, would Poles spend the draft capital necessary? Maybe, sending back that 2025 second-round pick in exchange for Hunt could be an option.

Otherwise, Chicago could look at Carolina's other starting guard, Damien Lewis, who is currently the 15th-best pass blocking guard according to PFF. The 27-year-old also signed a big contract with Carolina, this past offseason. It was a four-year deal worth $53 million.

Lewis would probably come a little cheaper, of course, and the Bears would be able to save that second rounder.

Either way, Poles should be on the phone with Carolina and chatting about both guards' potential availability. This is a situation where teams will want to try and take advantage of a reeling franchise that's desperately in need of young talent, and the Bears need to be first in line.