There's a perfect trade option for the Bears, but there's a major roadblock
It's no secret that the Chicago Bears could use another quality pass rusher on their roster. And general manager Ryan Poles has made it clear that he's open to adding a pass rusher via either a trade or free agency. “We’re working on it, we don’t stop working and looking at different avenues to bring […]
It's no secret that the Chicago Bears could use another quality pass rusher on their roster.
And general manager Ryan Poles has made it clear that he's open to adding a pass rusher via either a trade or free agency.
“We’re working on it, we don’t stop working and looking at different avenues to bring players in,” said Poles last month. “There are some options, potentially trade options. There’s also some guys on the street still that can potentially come in and help us. We’re kind of looking at everything right now, maybe something will happen sooner rather than later.”
A perfect trade option for the Bears could be three-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter, who is coming off a bounce-back season in 2022 after playing in only seven games from 2020 to 2021.
Hunter, a former LSU standout, is reportedly planning to skip the Minnesota Vikings' upcoming mandatory OTAs. Hunter is hoping for a new contract after totaling 10.5 sacks last season.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Vikings have fielded trade calls in reference to Hunter.
Hunter, who turns 29 in October, would provide Chicago's pass rush with an instant boost. And Poles has already shown that he'll be aggressive in trades to get his guy.
There's just one problem — trading for Hunter would require Chicago to make a trade with an NFC North divisional rival.
While it's not unheard of for trades to go down between division rivals, it would be a bit of a surprise to see the Vikings trade a Pro Bowler to the Bears — especially with Chicago trending in the right direction.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has made trades with the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, so it's not out of the question that Chicago could work out a deal to acquire Hunter. But the Bears would likely have to give a little more in a trade than perhaps an AFC South team, for example, would have to give.
This is still a trade that Poles should explore, even if there's a potential roadblock that could prevent a deal from getting done.
Featured image via Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
