Chicago Bears: 5 moves to help improve team before Week 1

Trade for outside linebacker Shane Ray

Speaking of the pass rush, the Bears recently got an up-close-and-personal look at outside linebacker Shane Ray. The Bears practiced twice with the Denver Broncos before squaring off in a preseason matchup in their third preseason game of the year a week and a half ago.

In those practices, Ray was healthy and on the field. It was said he may have opted for his fourth wrist surgery, but his rehab went well and he was able to get back on the field for training camp.

The Broncos went out and drafted edge rusher Bradley Chubb out of N.C. State back in the first round of this year’s draft. Pairing Chubb with one of the best defensive players in all of football, Von Miller, should give the Broncos a first-class pass rush in 2018.

With Miller and Chubb starting, Ray is now playing as a reserve or a situational rusher. If the Broncos feel like they could get value for him — and it was even reported at one point that Ray was on the market — now would be the time to make a deal.

The Bears could immediately upgrade their pass rush by trying to acquire Ray with a later-round pick. If he’s healthy, he will make an impact. His injury history isn’t great, but if he’s past the worst of it, he would instantly make that group much better.