NEWSLETTER
There has been a long-standing expectation that the Chicago Bears would get in on the wide receiver trade market ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline.
So while nothing has come to fruition yet, we all know that deadlines can spur activity. So let’s keep 3 p.m. CT this afternoon (the NFL Trade Deadline) on our minds, as that marks the cutoff to make a deal.
With that being said, I fully expect the Bears to be connected on several fronts. But specifically at the receiver position. And especially with the morning kicking off with a report from Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed, who hears whispers that Chicago’s football team is kicking the tires on Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne.
From Kyed’s article:
The Chicago Bears are among the teams who have called New England about Bourne’s availability in a trade, according to a source. Chicago needs wide receiver help but is otherwise selling off assets such as edge defender Robert Quinn and linebacker Roquan Smith in trades. It would help to get a player like Bourne in the building now to give him half of a season and the offseason to work with quarterback Justin Fields.
Sheesh. Maybe the Bears should’ve made their MNF showdown against the Pats a “winner gets Bourne” game. It could’ve made things easier.
Bourne is one of the most attractive trade targets the Bears could have eyes on ahead of the deadline. The 27-year-old receiver put up a 55-catch, 800-yard, 5-touchdown season in 2021 with the Patriots. And even though Bourne hasn’t been as productive this season (15 targets, 11 catches, 156 yards, 0 TD) in his seven games of work, he has a long enough track record to suggest he’ll get it going in due time. But if he doesn’t, there would be no reason for an acquiring team to fret. That’s because Bourne is under contract through the 2023 season. In theory, the Bears trading for Bourne now would lessen the onus on them to find receiver help via free agency next year. It’s something we discussed more thoroughly in September when Bourne was presented as a Bears trade fit.
Next offseason’s free agent receiver crop isn’t looking as hot as it once did, so jumping the market with a trade would be heady work by GM Ryan Poles and Chicago’s front office. However, Kyed adds: “One source did cast doubt that the Patriots ultimately would be willing to part ways with Bourne.” Fair enough. I can imagine how that team-friendly deal would be difficult to give up. Then again, I’ll choose to read Kyed’s caveat as the Patriots saying “up your offers” to potential trade partners. So, stay tuned.
