The Chicago Bears got ahead of what was anticipated to be a down NFL Draft class of pass rushers by acquiring Montez Sweat at the trade deadline, and should aggressively try to pull off a similar move before the draft gets underway this month.
With all signs pointing to quarterback Caleb Williams walking off the stage in Detroit and into the role as the Bears’ franchise quarterback of the future, and No. 1 overall selection, perhaps the Bears could use the No. 9 pick to add a wide receiver but trade a later pick for a veteran pass rusher.
Why Bradley Chubb Makes Sense for Chicago Bears
Bradley Chubb might be an ideal trade target, as a veteran pass rusher with upside.
Chubb, 27, was off to one of the fastest starts of his career in 2023 before suffering a torn ACL in Week 16 after producing 11 sacks, one shy of a career-high, and a career-high 73 total tackles with seven tackles for loss.
Given the lack of quality pass-rush depth at the top of this year’s class, with Dallas Turner and Chop Robinson likely mid-first to early second-round caliber prospects, betting on a Chubb return to form could pay massive dividends for the Bears, especially opposite Sweat.
After landing in the Windy City following last fall’s trade, Sweat logged six sacks over the final eight games of the season. Acquiring a player of Chubb’s caliber could produce similar results in 2024.
What Might a Bradley Chubb Trade Look Like?
The Dolphins have already restructured Bradley Chubb’s contract this offseason to lower his cap number, and might be open to trading him for the right price.
Chubb is set to count $15.85 million against the cap in 2024, on his reworked contract, which would be a manageable cap hit for the Bears to absorb, given Chicago’s $23.2 million in spending flexibility.
Given the fact that Chubb is coming off a significant injury, perhaps the Bears could pry the veteran pass-rusher away in exchange for a fourth-round selection this year, No. 122 overall, and a conditional third-round pick that can become a second-round choice if Chubb hits various playing time incentives.
Since the Dolphins don’t have a third or fourth-round pick in this year’s draft, perhaps Miami would be amenable to adding a pair of selections, and the accompanying cap relief, for Chubb.