Chicago Bears: 3 players to deal before 2021 trade deadline

The Chicago Bears should consider trading pass rusher Robert Quinn

Already in four games, edge rusher Robert Quinn is off to the best start he’s had in many years. Quinn has totaled 4.5 sacks, seven quarterback hits and three tackles for loss. Last season, he was playing through a mysterious injury and only ended up with a pair of sacks.

So far this year, Quinn has been playing lights out and leads the team in sacks. He and Khalil Mack have become the formidable duo that Ryan Pace had envisioned last year when the team signed him to that massive deal.

Speaking of that massive deal, right now would be the perfect time for the Bears to try and get out of it. Yes, even though he is playing excellent football, now is the time to move on if they can. Selling Quinn at maybe an all-time high would result in the best possible value in return, but most importantly, would get the Bears out of his contract.

Chicago needs some breathing room for next offseason when they not only have to extend Roquan Smith, but find a replacement for Allen Robinson and fill holes elsewhere. They are strapped for cash as it is, so getting rid of the remainder of Quinn’s 5-year, $70 million deal would open up a lot more room.

The other part of this equation has been the solid play of second-year pro Travis Gipson, who has a couple of tackles for loss and a sack so far this year. He’s played very well in his rotational role, and could flourish even more if he stepped into a full-time job with Quinn’s exit.