Chicago Bears NFL Draft 2021: Desperate trades to make within NFC North

Taking a big chance on an injury-prone corner might work out for the Chicago Bears

The Minnesota Vikings have had quite the shakeup at cornerback over the last couple of years, starting with Xavier Rhodes taking a turn for the worse and ultimately being let go. Then, there’s former first-round pick Mike Hughes, who has had a tumultuous career in terms of injuries.

Now, with Jeff Gladney’s legal issues coming about, the Vikings could see another cornerback leave town. Fortunately, the team has been planning ahead, as they signed former All Pro corner Patrick Peterson. The Vikings very well could take a cornerback in the first round again this year, attempting to solidify their secondary.

Hughes is an interesting name, because he is reportedly healthy as we speak. That’s saying something, too, because he’s had multiple neck injuries and a torn ACL since being drafted just back in 2018.

The Vikings could choose to cut ties with Hughes and save just over a million dollars, or they could ride it out and see just how healthy he is. The other option, of course, is to trade him.

If the Bears wanted to get their much-needed depth via Hughes, they could try offering something like a fifth rounder to Minnesota. If healthy, Hughes would be worth well over a fifth-round selection. But, his history says he wouldn’t be able to stay on the field for an entire year. That’s why this is a risky, desperate move for the Bears.

But, if Hughes does stay healthy and can at least offer the Bears some help in the return game, and maybe even at the nickel, he’d be well-worth the gamble.