Chicago Bears should not trade for Raheem Mostert

The Chicago Bears need a running back but not this one.

Recently I wrote how the Chicago Bears are somewhat thin at the running back position. If they choose to stay in house, one potential option for filling that void could be rookie undrafted free agent Artavis Pierce.

However, the Bears may not be satisfied with their current options and could look to add to the position via trade. Consequently, whenever a running back is rumored to potentially be available (or really any player at any position these days for Bears fans), the rumors immediately start to swirl.

Well, things were no different yesterday when reports surfaced that San Francisco 49ers running back and Super Bowl star Raheem Mostert was demanding a trade.

However, the Chicago Bears should not be one of the teams inquiring into his status or even thinking about making a trade proposal.

Look, there is no denying Mostert had a phenomenal season last year.  On just 137 carries last season he tallied 772 yards, good for 5.6 yards per carry. He absolutely dominated Green Bay in the NFC Championship game, rushing for 220 yards and four touchdowns.

Nevertheless, there is a reason he is seeking a trade, and it’s because the two could not reach a deal on what Mostert thinks is fair adjustment to his current contract based on last year’s impressive, yet limited performance.

In other words, he is going to be looking to make substantially more than the $2.825 million he was making this year, and the $3.175 he is scheduled to make next year. In addition, he is likely looking to go somewhere where he is not only going to get paid but will also get a significant amount fo playing time.

While the Bears need depth, they don’t need competition for the top two spots, occupied by David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen. So it doesn’t make sense to spend draft capital they don’t have on a trade to bring in a guy like Mostert unless he’d be the starter, which he wouldn’t. The Bears are quite content with Montgomery on a rookie deal alongside Cohen.

Not to mention Mostert, for all the hype over the NFC Championship game, was pretty limited with only the 137 carries. Questions will remain whether his performance at the end of the year was a flash in the pan for the 6th year undrafted free agent, or if it’s sustainable.

I don’t know the answer to that question, but I know the Bears shouldn’t try to find out.