Chicago Bears: Losing Alex Brown Would Be A Huge Mistake

The biggest news this offseason for the Bears was signing free agent Julius Peppers to a monster deal. The signing will give Bears flexibility on the defensive front.

They also released Adewale Ogunleye, who is still a free agent.

However, the Bears may have stirred the pot the most by announcing on Friday that they would explore trade options for DE Alex Brown.

Chicago, why in the world are you trading one of your most consistent players?

Brown has started 107 games since being drafted in the fourth round in 2002. He has 43.5 career sacks and has shown the ability to get after the quarterback and stop the run.

Most importantly, who is going to play opposite Julius Peppers?

Will it be Mark Anderson, a rookie phenom who has been a huge disappointment because he can't play the run?

Israel Idonije, a physical freak of nature? Idonije is a classic DT/DE tweener. He is a monster on special teams and a high-character guy.

Possibly Jarron Gilbert? He can jump out of a pool, but had a difficult time cracking the rotation last year as a 3rd round pick. He has good potential, but he's another tweener.

Henry Melton, a 5th round pick who spent last season on IR? He played RB at Texas, then was a defensive end opposite Brian Orakpo, Washington's Pro Bowl rookie linebacker. He's extremely raw, but has the best physical tools of the group.

Or, how about a rookie? George Selvie is a decorated college player who will fall in the draft. Greg Hardy also has great tools, but his injury history and dedication to football are HUGE red flags.

The Bears cannot afford to give up a player of Brown's caliber. However, if the deal is right, and the Bears love what they have, I guess it was meant to be.