The Bears and Justin Fields may add an unexpected WR option, according to ESPN's prediction.
Upon first inspection, this isn't the off-season the Chicago Bears would have hoped for in regards to remedying their wide receiver dilemmas. Free agency has no prominent names to tout. When Jacobi Meyers is the best option available, it's not ideal. The NFL draft doesn't fare any better. No one can agree on who the top choice is, which is frequently suggestive of a weak class. This might explain why GM Ryan Poles made the bold decision to acquire Chase Claypool. He's optimistic that the talented receiver can develop and mature alongside Justin Fields.
Nevertheless, it would be irresponsible if the Bears didn't keep their eyes and ears open for unforeseen developments. Occasionally, certain players become available that were not anticipated. Tyreek Hill is a prime example. The star receiver appeared to be an easy choice to retain in Kansas City. Monetary issues got in the way, and the Chiefs opted to trade him. Perhaps something similar could happen again. Bill Barnwell of ESPN believes there is one notable name that fits a similar profile: Chris Godwin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"Trading Godwin, on the other hand, is a different story. Parting ways with the 27-year-old would free up nearly $9 million in cap space and remove a significant earner from the payroll in 2023 and 2024. Godwin wasn't as effective after returning from a torn ACL last season, and while he should still be in the prime of his career, Tampa should be able to get by with Evans � who would likely end up receiving a new deal out of the equation � and Russell Gage at wideout.
The deal would also net the Bucs some useful draft capital. I'm not sure they could expect to land a Tyreek Hill or Davante Adams-sized haul, but a late-first-round pick would hardly be out of the question. The Giants sit at No. 25 and don't have a significant receiver on the roster for quarterback Daniel Jones. Would trading for Godwin accelerate their offense? I wouldn't advocate trading Godwin for pennies on the dollar, but Licht should be willing to take calls on him."
Godwin would be an instant upgrade for the Chicago Bears. He falls into the category of wide receiver who would be a number one option anywhere else in the NFL. However, since he's played alongside Mike Evans his entire career, he's been easy to overlook. He's amassed 1,000 yards or more in three of the past four seasons and was instrumental in their NFC championship triumph over the Green Bay Packers in 2021. He turns 27 on February 27th with two years remaining on his contract at just over $23 million per year. The Bears have more than enough cap space to afford that.
The sticking point is compensation. The Chicago Bears aren't trading the number one overall pick for Godwin. That means they must acquire another first-rounder or consider trading their first in 2024. Alternatively, they could try offering a second-rounder to see if the Buccaneers are interested. That seems improbable. To be honest, it doesn't appear as though the Bears are in the best position to make an aggressive trade like that. Godwin would undoubtedly be helpful, but the price might be too high. Nonetheless, it's worth exploring.
| POLL | ||
21 FEVRIER | 188 ANSWERS The Bears and Justin Fields may add an unexpected WR option, according to ESPN's prediction. Who would you rather have? | ||
| Odell Beckham | 30 | 16 % |
| Chris Godwin | 50 | 26.6 % |
| jerry Jeudy | 59 | 31.4 % |
| Keenan Allen | 49 | 26.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
