NEWSLETTER
This year’s deadline was mostly a big nothing burger, but even doing nothing has implications. So, let’s discuss some things.
The Bears Weren’t Buyers…
Part of me believes the Bears’ front office did the franchise a disservice by not cutting any deals to improve for the near future. Not that I was expecting the Bears to dive further into the abyss just to attempt to prop up what’s left of a team that is coming unglued. So maybe that’s a good thing. But the Dontrelle Inman trade in 2017 set a precedent that kept me on my toes in case something were to happen.
It might’ve been a tough sell, but one could easily make a reasonable case for a soft buy. And by that, I mean acquiring some help by way of sending conditional draft considerations that would have been difficult to vest. Maybe those conversations did happen. We have to allow for that possibility to exist in this reality. Even if they did, it’s disappointing they went nowhere.
…And They Didn’t Put On a Firesale Either
Not only did the Bears not fortify their current team, they didn’t blow it up to help the long-term future, either (there were arguments to be made that any of Nick Foles, Andy Dalton, Akiem Hicks, Khalil Mack, Allen Robinson, and/or David Montgomery could be trade candidates). Though it never felt like a very realistic outcome, especially given the temperature of the seats held by Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace. This isn’t MLB or the NBA, where everything-must-go deals can come through rapid-fire in the closing hours ahead of the deadline. But still … nothing? Really?
In recent years, we have seen teams trade players on expiring contracts for mid-to-late-round draft picks. And considering this front office’s knack for plucking late-round gems, it is surprising that no such deals were made. As things currently stand, the Bears project to have picks in Rounds 2, 3, 5, and 6. If you’ll recall, this year’s first- and fourth-hand picks are heading to New York bound because the Giants and Bears made the swap allowing Chicago to take Justin Fields. The team also has an additional fifth-round pick from the Texans that came via the Anthony Miller trade.
Altogether, the Bears have just five picks. That’s not nearly enough for my tastes. Hence, a desire on some level to trade players who could’ve helped the team bring on talent for the future.
Technically, We Can’t Say They Didn’t Do *ANYTHING* Today
#Bears roster moves:
We have signed DT LaCale London to the practice squad and have released OL Dareuan Parker from the practice squad.— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) November 2, 2021
The Bears’ need for reserve offensive linemen is dwindling. Larry Borom is from IR and is coming off his first NFL start at right tackle. Elijah Wilkinson came off the COVID reserve list last week, too. And Germain Ifedi, who began the year in the starting lineup, will soon be eligible to return off IR.
Meanwhile, it’ll be nice to have some depth in the from seven — specifically along the defensive line. Let’s keep in mind how Akiem Hicks is coming off his first game after a groin injury. And that Robert Quinn was looking like someone fresh off the Reserve/COVID-19 list last week. Depth up front is more helpful now and moving forward. But I imagine they’ll keep tabs with Dareuan Parker should OL needs pop up between now and season’s end.
Odds and Ends From Around the League
• Some minor moves went down:
Trade! The #Broncos are sending rookie CB Kary Vincent Jr. to the #Eagles for a 2022 sixth-round pick, per sources. They beat the 4 p.m. ET buzzer.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 2, 2021
The Jets have traded for former Chiefs G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, source confirms (as @TomPelissero said). #Jets send TE Dan Brown to the Chiefs.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 2, 2021
Sources: The #Texans are trading young pass-rusher Charles Omenihu to the #49ers in exchange for a future late-rounder. The former fifth rounder, who has been an intriguing trade name for weeks, has a new landing spot.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 2, 2021
In story form: Steelers send Melvin Ingram to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2022 sixth-round pick. https://t.co/OWVCWKFmF0
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) November 2, 2021
• The totality of the notable in-season trade action, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
🏈Dan Brown to Chiefs, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif to Jets
🏈Charles Omenihu to 49ers
🏈Melvin Ingram to Chiefs
🏈Von Miller to Rams
🏈Mark Ingram to Saints
🏈Joe Flacco to Jets
🏈Kenny Young to Broncos
🏈Zach Ertz to Cards
🏈Stephon Gilmore to Panthers
🏈CJ Henderson to Panthers— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 2, 2021
• I can’t believe Schefter didn’t mention Jakeem Grant Sr. to the Bears in the list above. Maybe he simply ran out of characters.
• Where the NBA had its post-deadline buyout market, NFL contenders can rummage through the waiver wire for missing pieces. At the top of the list of teams who need receiver help is DeSean Jackson:
The #Rams are expected to release DeSean Jackson, per sources. Both parties explored trade possibilities. Jackson would have stayed but this gives him chance to get more playing time. He'll be subject to waivers.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 2, 2021
• A player with Jackson’s résumé and skill set will likely have no shortage of suitors if he hits the market. I say if, because Jackson is subject to waivers. And with his release putting him through waivers before hitting free agency, the only thing stopping him from reaching the market would be a team claiming him. If the Bears were in a position to buy, then Jackson would’ve been the type of receiver worth targeting. A vertical threat with a proven track record could have been a usable piece in Justin Fields’ ongoing development. Heck, maybe that could serve as reason enough to make the claim. Although, that would mean the Bears would take on the rest of a contact that has value up to $4.5 million this season.
• Kyle Fuller has been on a grand total of four defensive snaps in the Raiders’ last three games. Hence, the Raiders were reportedly trying to move him ahead of the 3 p.m. CT deadline. They were ultimately unsuccessful in their effort. But at they put inane effort. I’m only half-jokingly suggesting that a Nick Foles for Kyle Fuller swap could’ve been something both teams could have been happy with doing.
• Maybe the Saints didn’t pull off a QB trade for Andy Dalton or Nick Foles because Philip Rivers would listen if the Saints came calling, per LA Times reporter Sam Farmer. Because Rivers going full Brees in playing in both San Diego and New Orleans would make for a fun storyline.
• More non-movement:
The #Eagles are not trading Pro Bowl DT Fletcher Cox, as he alluded to on Instagram.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 2, 2021
