Should Chicago Bears pursue trade for Michael Bennett?
By Ryan Heckman
The Seattle Seahawks are reportedly open to trading veteran Michael Bennet, and the Chicago Bears might be a nice fit.
The Bears are in need of some depth on defense. Specifically, they would love someone to pair up on the other side of Akiem Hicks. Recently, one name has hit the trade rumor mill and I wonder if the Bears could be a fit.
According to Brady Henderson, a Seattle Seahawks reporter of ESPN, the team is open to trading veteran defensive end Michael Bennett.
The Seahawks are shopping Pro Bowl DL Michael Bennett, according to a source. More: https://t.co/ZWdPqD4FrC
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) March 1, 2018
Bennett, the 32-year-old veteran, has been a fairly consistent pass rusher over the last six seasons. He has 48 sacks over that time span, five of those years coming with the Seahawks. He has also remained durable for the most part, which is rare for a guy over 30.
Chicago has a need for more guys to rush the passer, but there are a couple of questions around Bennett and his potential fit.
First, could he play more of a defensive tackle in the Bears 3-4 scheme? He is used to playing a traditional defensive end, which might prevent the Bears from making an offer.
Second, Ryan Pace has already proved he is moving toward youth by cutting ties with a few veterans. Right now, Kyle Long is the oldest player on the Bears at just 29 years old.
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Bennett could make the switch to defensive tackle and work out just fine for the Bears, if Pace wants an aging player. The problem he might run into with Bennett, however, is the fact that he would likely want ample playing time.
With the type of scheme Vic Fangio is running and the age factor coming into play, Bennett would likely be a rotational guy and not necessarily play every snap for the group. Would he be okay with that? I doubt it.
Bennett also comes with a notorious attitude problem. Off the field, he is a social justice warrior. While he might stand for what is right, do the Bears want the constant media frenzy surrounding a new addition? Again, I doubt it.
What hasn’t been mentioned yet, either, is what kind of compensation Seattle is asking. I do not think Pace would be willing to offer much for an aging defensive end.
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All in all, it would be better off if Pace did not attempt to deal for Bennett. The fit isn’t exact and the youth movement is in full swing in Chicago. The better option would be to look forward to free agency and draft time and allow Bennett to go elsewhere.