Chicago Bears Monthly Mailbag: Offensive line, trade deadline, and more

1. Possible trade deadline deals

The trade deadline always seems to be a hot topic of conversation amongst Bears fans, especially since general manager Ryan Pace preaches having an aggressive mindset when it comes to building the roster and doing anything possible to make the Bears better.

Well here’s the deal: Don’t leave anything off the table when it comes to Pace. To be clear, I’m not saying that Pace will make a trade but if the opportunity presents itself, which it likely will, he’s going to explore adding someone he thinks can help the Bears reach the Super Bowl.

The reality is that the Bears have very few needs outside of one or two positions on the roster. The Bears are not giving up on Mitchell Trubisky anytime soon, so don’t expect a trade for a starting-caliber quarterback. However, one position that is crucial to the Bears offense is tight end and it just so happens that a possible solution could be available.

One name to possibly keep an eye on would be Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard, who could be available for a 2020 NFL Draft pick. What’s fitting about this scenario is the fact that currently, the Bears have two second-round draft picks in 2020. Depending on what Tampa Bay’s starting price is, the Bears need to make a call if Howard is truly available.

Also, because it’s out there, the Bears trading for Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams is in no way a realistic possibility. The Bears don’t have the assets for Williams and his big cap number would be a major issue. To afford a guy like Williams, the Bears would have to give up 2021 draft picks and even some players.

Since becoming the Bears general manager in 2015, Pace has only made one trade during the regular season and even that was back in 2017. Overall, expect this to be a trade deadline where Pace does make a few calls here and there but it doesn’t appear as if he’s going to make a big move that’s will have an impact on the roster.