Chicago Bears: 3 trade packages involving O.J. Howard, Cameron Brate

Trade No. 2

The second trade scenario features the Bears getting the other guy, Cameron Brate, who is also one of the better tight ends in the league. But, it’s tough to use him when you’re throwing to two 1,000-yard receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

This trade is pretty simple, and I’ll explain in a second: The Bears get Brate. The Bucs get left tackle Charles Leno.

Here is the way I see this for the Bears.

Leno took a step back in 2019, and sure, maybe he bounces back for Chicago in 2020. But, either way, I think Pace is going to end up finding competition on the offensive line in this draft. He has already signed Germain Ifedi and Jason Spriggs to come in and compete at both guard and tackle, but I think he goes out and drafts at least one more offensive lineman.

At the same time, Pace could also look to draft a tight end. It’s a strong possibility. This way, they keep all of their limited draft capital and have one less need to look for. Regardless, they would have drafted an offensive lineman — if not two.

Brate isn’t as dynamic or explosive as Howard, but he’s consistent. Over the last four seasons, he’s caught 24 touchdowns. Currently, he’s on a 6-year deal he signed in 2018 and his cap hit for 2020 is just over $4 million. That’s a ridiculous value for a guy with a 6-foot-6 frame who can make catches in traffic and presents a red zone headache. Brate would be an excellent addition and immediately solves the depth issue at tight end.