Bears Turn from Sellers to Buyers
Josh Frey
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After trading away defensive stars Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith over the past week, the Chicago Bears turn from sellers to buyers in the waning hours towards the NFL trade deadline. The team acquired some wide receiver help for Justin Fields by trading for Pittsburgh Steelers WR Chase Claypool.
In return, the Chicago Bears sent Pittsburgh their own second-round pick, not to be confused with the second-round pick that they acquired from the Ravens in the Smith trade.
Assuming the Bears lose more games than they win over the remainder of the season, this pick could become very valuable as draft season approaches. Additionally, this move assumes that the Bears are interested in offering Claypool an extension at season’s end as his contract ends following the 2023 season.
Some fans may be confused why this would be offered to Claypool rather than Smith, someone who has been crucial to Chicago’s defense for many years. Additionally, there are folks out there who may be wondering about the choice of wide receiver that they acquired. Multiple reports have suggested that both Brandin Cooks and Jerry Jeudy are available at the deadline.
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Nonetheless, the Bears now have a talented young receiver who is looking to turn his career around after disappointing seasons in 2021 and to start 2022. It also provides a good test to see what Justin Fields can do with a receiver room that now features both Claypool and Darnell Mooney.
The Minnesota Vikings will see this new-look Bears offense in Week 18 after they get plenty of reps together.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.