National media outlet proposes trade for Chicago Bears that seems likely to happen
ESPN proposed a trade for the Chicago Bears that not only makes sense, but it seems like there's a really good chance it happens. Bill Barnwell, a staff writer for ESPN, proposed a trade that has the Bears sending running back David Montgomery to the Baltimore Ravens for a fifth-round draft pick. From ESPN: In […]
ESPN proposed a trade for the Chicago Bears that not only makes sense, but it seems like there's a really good chance it happens.
Bill Barnwell, a staff writer for ESPN, proposed a trade that has the Bears sending running back David Montgomery to the Baltimore Ravens for a fifth-round draft pick.
In a year in which the Bears are cleaning up their cap and beginning their latest rebuild, Montgomery probably belongs elsewhere. He is a free agent after this season, and the people who drafted him no longer work for the organization. Khalil Herbert also has excelled in Montgomery's absence and deserves a larger role.
With the Bears likely to shop in free agency next offseason, they probably will not be in position to gain a compensatory pick for Montgomery when he leaves. The same isn't true for the Ravens, who typically mine the league's compensatory formula for all it's worth. It's not clear whether the Ravens trust J.K. Dobbins right now, given that his snap percentage dropped between Week 4 and Week 5. And Kenyan Drake has been dismal as the team's veteran back, while Justice Hill hasn't been able to stay healthy.
Montgomery is expendable for Chicago thanks to Khalil Herbert and his 5.9 yards per rushing attempt average (Montgomery is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry this season).
And with the Bears currently going through a rebuild under general manager Ryan Poles, it certainly makes sense that Chicago would trade him. Montgomery is a free agent after the season and it's unlikely he returns to the Bears in 2023. Trading him during the season would allow Chicago to at least get an asset (the mid-round pick) in return for the former Iowa State standout.
This wouldn't be an overly exciting trade, but it would be a very smart one for Poles to make.
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