The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching. Some teams will look to move assets and begin anew, while others will try to rearm and replenish for a potential championship run.
Conventional wisdom says that the Chicago Bears will continue to be sellers since General Manager Ryan Poles has already moved on from many players in the offseason. Names being talked about as potential trade pieces for the Bears include pass rusher Robert Quinn, linebacker Roquan Smith, and even running back David Montgomery.
If the price is right, I'd be happy to move on from these three. However, I think that the Bears should also consider buying at the deadline. They won't be pushing for a championship this year, but given how badly the current wide receiver room has performed, the team needs a shot in the arm just to be competitive.
The Bears shouldn't be throwing out precious draft picks for just anyone. There are only two realistic targets for a trade that I would like to see the Bears make.
WR DJ Moore (Carolina Panthers)
The Panthers are in the midst of a fire sale since firing the former head coach Matt Rhule. Wide receiver Robbie Anderson was already dealt away, and rumors continue to rumble that Christian McCaffrey is next. But will they trade DJ Moore? That seems uncertain.
Moore is only 25 years old and has put up impressive numbers in an unimpressive offense, with three straight seasons of more than 1,100 yards and 4 touchdowns. He's the kind of guy a rebuilding team might be keen on retaining, but perhaps not. He's very good, but he's no Justin Jefferson.
Offering what is likely to be a high second-round draft pick might be enticing enough to pull him away from Carolina. I would consider that a fair deal that gets Chicago a proven receiver to line up alongside Darnell Mooney and gives quarterback Justin Fields another reliable target.
WR Chase Claypool (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Death, taxes, and a glut of wide receiver talent in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers have potentially too many talented pass catchers while languishing in other position groups. Dionte Johnson is their clear-cut WR1, and rookie George Pickens is their hungry up-and-comer, which leaves Claypool as the odd man out: very talented but not the best; young but not the youngest. He would bring his modest but respectable production to Chicago, as well as impressive size (6' 4", 230 lbs) for Fields to take advantage of when he throws a 'go up and get it' ball.
Claypool was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, so a third would probably be enough to land him, or perhaps a more interesting trade, like sending Roquan Smith to Pittsburgh in exchange for Claypool and a draft pick. Making this deal would also carry a layer of irony since Claypool is the guy many Bears fans believe former Bears GM Ryan Pace should have drafted over tight end Cole Kmet. If the Bears trade for him, Chicago would finally get to have their cake and eat it too.