If there is one thing the Chicago Bears know how to generate, it’s rumors. This is because the team has a reputation for surprising people when they least expect it. Everybody knew they needed pass rush help last season. Nobody thought GM Ryan Poles would go so far as to acquire Montez Sweat from Washington. That move helped jumpstart the defense. Since then, fans have learned to never count the Bears out of anything, even if it might seem outlandish at first glance.
Recent events have given rise to a rather persistent rumor. The Dallas Cowboys finally managed to pay star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. His new four-year deal brings $34 million per year. While great for him, it creates a big problem for his team. Lamb isn’t the only one they need to pay. It is well-known quarterback Dak Prescott is a free agent next year and Dallas can’t franchise tag him. That means unless they’re willing to let him walk, they must extend him. He has all the leverage, meaning he can push to become the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback, putting him at over $55 million per year.
The problem? If Dallas does this, they may not have enough money left to pay superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons. This has led many to wonder if the Cowboys might be forced to trade him, sacrificing him to keep their two offensive stalwarts. That is where the Bears come in. Fans think they’re well-positioned to make a run at him, and it appears their new quarterback agrees.
For starters, Jerry Jones is not an owner in the habit of trading franchise players. The only time he ever came close was trading Amari Cooper to Cleveland in 2022, and Dallas could afford it because they had Lamb on the roster. Nobody on the roster is remotely close to Parsons’ caliber. Yes, the team will soon be in a salary cap crunch once Prescott gets paid. However, Jones is almost certain to work on finding the necessary money to ensure they keep their best defensive player in blue and white.
Another part of this is Poles himself. He’s stated his goal is to build through the draft. If the Chicago Bears trade for Parsons, they are guaranteed to give up at least two future 1st round picks, probably more. They already paid one pass rusher top money with Sweat. Parsons figures to cost even more. Poles has said his goal is to maintain financial flexibility at all times. The more likely scenario is the Bears look to draft a pass rusher high next year with either a 1st or one of their two 2nd round picks.
Anything is possible. Nobody thought the Khalil Mack trade would happen until it did. Williams retweeting the rumor is interesting but likely means nothing.
