Chicago Bears now have a strong trade option at offensive tackle

Early on in this past offseason, the Chicago Bears had an opportunity to address the offensive line in a big way.

However, first-year general manager Ryan Poles opted not to, instead taking a different approach. After adding one major offensive lineman in free agency (Lucas Patrick) and drafting several on day three of the 2022 NFL Draft, Poles saw that it still wasn’t enough.

Prior to training camp, the Bears signed veterans Riley Reiff and Michael Schofield. At this stage in the game, the line is still not where it should be. But, there could be a possible trade on the horizon if Poles decides to get involved.

According to a report, the New England Patriots could be looking to trade former first-round pick, and Georgia Bulldog, offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn.

Isaiah Wynn could be a high-risk, high-reward trade option for the Chicago Bears.

Last year, the Patriots decided to pick up Wynn’s fifth-year option. However, a move like this could be coming due to the Patriots being strapped for cash and wanting to compile an additional draft pick or two while getting a bit further under the cap.

One of the reasons Wynn is a big risk is due to his injury history. The 2018 draft pick missed his entire rookie season, and has missed 15 additional games in the past three seasons. Last year was the healthiest he’s been, only missing one game.

As one of the better young tackles in football, Wynn’s upside is still obvious. The former Bulldog is only 26 years old and he’s about to play on the last year of his deal, a $10.2 million fifth-year option.

At the moment, it appears Braxton Jones, Riley Reiff and Larry Borom are competing for the two starting tackle positions. If the Bears want added competition, or believe Jones might benefit a year from starting and Borom is better as a reserve, then Wynn could be worth a flier.

Now, just what would the Bears have to give up for a one-year rental on a guy with an injury history? The answer is, likely not much. If the Patriots have put it out there that they’re wanting to move on, Wynn probably wouldn’t fetch higher than a fourth or fifth-round pick — and that’s being generous.

For a guy who’s on his way out and on the last year of his deal, the Patriots might even settle for a sixth-round pick — which the Bears very well could offer.