The Chicago Bears have assembled a very attractive team full of star players and big names, and for the first time in recent memory, the future looks very bright for them.
It all starts with Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in April’s draft who has been described as a generational quarterback prospect.
While it’s no guarantee he will pan out and become a star, there is at least a realistic chance he will fulfill much of the hype surrounding him.
They have immediately given him weapons to work with, such as wide receivers D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze. Odunze, the No. 9 pick in this year’s draft, is another incoming rookie who is thought to have star potential.
But the Bears’ roster isn’t necessarily complete yet. They could use some help on their front four.
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report suggested that Chicago should trade for New England Patriots defensive end Matthew Judon.
Holder pointed out that while Montez Sweat has been a nice addition ever since he arrived in a midseason trade in 2023, the Bears don’t have another capable edge rusher, while the rebuilding Patriots would clear even more salary cap space.
“The New England Patriots are rebuilding, so it doesn’t make sense to roster a soon-to-be 32-year-old who is entering a contract year,” wrote Holder. “The Patriots would be better off acquiring draft picks for Judon and would receive about $6.7 million of cap relief by dealing him post-June 1.
“Meanwhile, the Bears currently have more than $22.6 million available, and adding a proven pass-rusher could be just what the defense needs to make a playoff push this fall. That should pique defensive-minded head coach Matt Eberflus’ interest, especially since Eberflus is widely considered to be on the hot seat heading into the 2024 season.”
Judon will turn 32 in August and appeared in just four games last season because of a torn bicep. However, he still should have something left in the tank, as he had 4.0 sacks, nine quarterback hits and five tackles for loss in 2023.
At the very least, he could be a key reserve for a young Chicago defense that has promise but could use a reinforcement or two.
It was in 2022 that Judon made his fourth straight Pro Bowl while posting 28 quarterback hits and a career-high 15.5 sacks. He has been to the playoffs four times, which means he has the type of experience many Bears players lack and simply cannot be taught.
While the Bears may have time to build a true contender, that doesn’t mean they should rest on their laurels and settle for having a team this season that is merely competitive.
It will be interesting to see if the Chicago Bears look to make any additional moves before the 2024 season. A trade for Judon would make perfect sense, but it’s just an intriguing idea at this point in time.
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