The Chicago Bears make a big trade that shows they have a plan

There is no question that the Chicago Bears changed the conversation around their team after their convincing victory over the New England Patriots on Monday but that victory shouldn’t change the overall direction of the team.

Confirmation that the Bears’ front office understands the direction that the team is headed in was provided on Wednesday with the report that veteran defensive end Robert Quinn has been traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2023 fourth-round draft pick.

Ever since first-year Bears’ general manager Ryan Poles began the rebuild process for the team last offseason with the trade of Khalil Mack and opting against re-signing veteran defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, the writing was on the wall in regard to Quinn’s future with the team.

Quinn told reporters over the offseason that he did not want to be traded from the Bears.

"“In all honesty, this defense, knowing the type of defense we’re running, I’m very familiar with it,” Quinn said. “Knock on wood, I plan to be successful for my personal self. I guess I know what I’m coming into, and that takes weight off my shoulders.”“You’re not coming into the building not knowing what’s about to happen. So I’m walking in here knowing exactly what they want from me, exactly what they expect from me, and what I need to do. Again, that makes life a whole lot easier when you’re not walking in confused.”"

The trade of Quinn was the right move for the Bears and the direction they are headed. Quinn, at the age of 32, was not going to be a focal member of the next Bears’ team that makes the playoffs.

The Chicago Bears make the smart move with the trade of veteran Robert Quinn.

In addition, the move arms Poles with more capital with an additional fourth-round selection being added to his resources for the 2023 draft.

During the third day of the 2022 NFL Draft, Poles made four different trades in an attempt to gain more attempts at finding a steal in the later rounds. With an extra fourth-round pick at his disposal, that will create more flexibility for the Bears’ general manager moving forward.

Poles will likely look to add more flexibility before the NFL Trade Deadline on November 1. One player that could be moved is linebacker Roquan Smith. Smith was speaking with reporters on Wednesday when news of the Quinn trade broke.

Smith’s reaction confirms that Quinn was viewed as a leader within the Bears’ locker room and is further affirmation that Poles is not afraid to make a move in the best interest of the team regardless of the player’s status within the locker room.