3 Players Bears Must Consider Trading at 2023 NFL Deadline
The Chicago Bears have already been sellers in one trade this season, but it would make sense for them to continue selling before the 2023 NFL trade deadline passes.
Chase Claypool is off the books and in Miami, but the Bears have other players who would make more sense as trade bait than a part of their future at this point. The Bears are coming off a nice 30-12 win over the Raiders, but the reality is that they are still 2-5.
They have given off some positive signs in the last few weeks. Winning games without Justin Fields is encouraging and the quarterback's play before suffering a thumb injury was good.
But this is still a team that would do well to move a player or two before the deadline to continue stockpiling draft picks and cap space.
Here's a look at three trade assets they should consider moving ahead of the Oct. 31 deadline.
CB Jaylon Johnson
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Jaylon Johnson is a strong trade candidate for multiple reasons.
For one, he's a talented player at a position of need for several teams. Good corners are hard to find and it's a position that many contenders would like to have more depth.
Outside of him being a talented player at a premium position, he has been open about being willing to move on in free agency despite his desire to continue playing for the Bears. The two sides have not come to an agreement on an extension which casts doubt that they'll be able to do that this spring.
If they don't feel confident that they'll come to an agreement it might be a good idea to strike while the iron is hot.
Johnson had just one pass defensed going into Sunday's game against the Raiders. He played his most disruptive game of the season with two interceptions and two pass breakups.
On one hand, it's hard to let a player who can do that go. On the other, he hasn't done that all season and he has a murky contract situation moving forward. It might be time to sell high on Johnson if they aren't willing to pay him handsomely next season.
OL Cody Whitehair
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Unlike Jaylon Johnson, it's hard to make a case that Cody Whitehair has played well this season. He's among the lowest-graded guards by PFF's metrics and he was also benched in favor of Lucas Patrick against the Vikings.
Of course, injuries forced Whitehair back into the lineup last week. With Nate Davis out for the week with an ankle injury, the Bears had to put Whitehair back in the lineup as a right guard.
Whitehair isn't great, but he has only given up two sacks this season and has the versatility to play both guard spots and center in a pinch.
For the Bears, it's clear that they don't view Whitehair as a starter. The 31-year-old shouldn't be part of the long-term plan and when Davis returns from his injury, he'll be back to a reserve role.
At this point, the Bears would be better served giving a younger player the opportunity to fill that role.
WR Darnell Mooney
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It's hard to love the idea of taking away weapons from Justin Fields when he's able to return to the lineup. The Bears already traded away Claypool and they need Fields to continue his progression and momentum that he has built this season.
However, it's worth considering fielding offers for Darnell Mooney.
At his best, Mooney is a field-stretching speed threat who has a 1,000-yard season on his resume. To this point, he's averaging just 3.29 targets and two receptions per game.
There are mutliple teams who would like to add the kind of speed and deep-ball tracking that Mooney brings to the table. His contract expires at the end of the season and it's hard to see the Bears pursuing another deal given his role in the offense.
They should test the waters to see if anyone is willing to part with a pick for him.
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