NEWSLETTER
In his most recent mailbag at the Chicago Tribune, Brad Biggs speculates that the Bears might be on the lookout for help along the interior defensive line ahead of the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline. And I want to talk about that.
But first, the quote in question:
If there’s one position the Bears might look for a player it’s defensive tackle. I’m not suggesting this is likely by any stretch, but if you evaluate where things are, the run defense hadn’t been great until limiting the Jacksonville Jaguars to 68 yards on 20 rushes Sunday in London. That helped in the rankings, where the Bears now are 10th in rushing yards allowed per game (112) and 18th in yards allowed per carry (4.6). … Maybe if a run stuffer is available for cheap, the Bears might consider it.
MORE: A List of Players Reportedly Generating Trade Interest (Including Potential Bears Fits)
On the one hand, the Bears’ defensive line does have players performing at a high level (with depth to back it up). In fact, this unit has three of Pro Football Focus’ 45-highest-graded edge defenders this season:
- Darrell Taylor (71.7, 32nd EDGE),
- DeMarcus Walker (68.2, 44th EDGE)
- Montez Sweat (67.7, 45th EDGE)
And along the interior, Gervon Dexter Sr. (68.6, 23rd) and Andrew Billings (63.1, 42nd) pop up among the 45-best defensive tackles. So in other words, Chicago’s football team is throwing five top-100 defensive linemen at opponents on game day.
On the other hand, the Bears’ defense did allow six rushing touchdowns to opposing RB1s through their first five games of the season. And while Colts running back Jonathan Taylor racked up the only 100-yard rushing performance against the Bears, each of Tony Pollard (16 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD), Kyren Williams (19 rushes, 94 yards, 1 TD), and Chuba Hubbard (13 carries, 97 yards, 1 TD) were able to get going against Chicago’s run defense. So with upcoming games against Brian Robinson Jr., James Conner, Josh Jacobs, Aaron Jones, David Montgomery, Jamhyr Gibbs, and Kenneth Walker III, it would probably behoove this front office to get some help in the trenches.
The question, then, is really just about how far you’re willing to go to make that happen.
The Bears could be in the mix for defensive line help
Finding a partner willing to trade a quality interior defensive lineman who ALSO fits the Bears’ budget and doesn’t cost too much to acquire is … uh, going to be difficult. But if the Bears do go down this path, I do have a couple of names in mind.
For instance, would the Browns put defensive tackle Shelby Harris on the trade block? The 33-year-old defensive tackle is under contract through 2025 and has cap numbers of $2.276 million in 2024 and $2.868 million in 2025. However, OverTheCap.com has Harris with just $1.21 million left in guaranteed salary. PFF lists Harris as the site’s No. 32-highest-graded interior defensive lineman and the league’s 16th-best run defender in that position group.
Maybe Jaguars defensive tackle Jeremiah Ledbetter, PFF’s 14th-highest-graded IDL in run defense, makes more sense because his contract expires at season’s end. Jacksonville already sent Roy Robertson-Harris packing for a future Day 3 pick. Perhaps lightning can strike twice here if the Bears make a phone call.
But even if the Bears are able to execute a deal like this, they’ll have to figure out how to squeeze a new defensive lineman into their rotation.
Again, Chicago has a good thing going with their current rotation. And with DeMarcus Walker able to play inside and out, Head Coach (and lead defensive play-caller) Matt Eberflus has options.
Moreover, the Bears’ depth could get another boost if defensive tackle Zacch Pickens returns from the groin injury that has sidelined him for most of the year. Of course, groin issues are tricky, and “hope” isn’t a particularly sound strategy. In fact, you could probably convince me that Pickens’ groin injury is what ultimately leads Bears General Manager Ryan Poles to kick the tires on the availability of defensive linemen.
So ultimately, I think Biggs’ initial speculation is likely correct. While the Bears have had some nice performances and do have some depth available, there are big challenges ahead and no guarantees of health. We’ll see how far they’re willing to go to make something happen, but I wouldn’t bet against the Bears being active ahead of the trade deadline in the market for help in the trenches.
