The Chicago Bears haven’t made their intentions known for the trade deadline to this point. All we know is that GM Ryan Poles has been making calls, gauging the market to see if any worthwhile deals are available. Meanwhile, rumors have persisted that some players already on the roster could be dealt elsewhere. Nate Davis is at the top of the list. The lingering question is whether Chicago decides to bring somebody in. Poles has done it each of the past two seasons. Could he go for three in a row?
If what insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic says is true, the door is now open for it to happen. She shared all the information she’s been able to gather on who may or may not be available ahead of the deadline on November 5th. It is primarily a wide receiver and defensive back market, with some pass rushers mixed in. However, one big name popped up that should interest the Bears.
“No surprise: Buffalo safety Mike Edwards is available, and so is Jaguars five-time Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff. Teams have until 4 p.m. on Tuesday to make a major move.”
Interior pass protection has been a constant issue for this team all season. Nowhere more so than the right guard spot. Davis was already benched. Ryan Bates has been out with a shoulder injury. This forced them to go with journeyman veteran Matt Pryor. While he has been serviceable, his ability in pass protection is limited. Scherff has consistently been one of the best guards in the NFL for a decade. This season is no different, allowing just seven pressures in eight games.
Scherff is 32 years old. He isn’t far over the hill, but Jacksonville won’t want to keep him around if they’re facing a rebuild. He’ll be a free agent next season. Unloading him for any sort of draft compensation makes sense. The Chicago Bears should be able to get him for a late round pick. Even if only a rental, he would instantly upgrade their interior protection right before the toughest part of their schedule arrives. Safeguarding Caleb Williams is the top priority. This helps with that.
