There appears to be a fire sale happening in Chicago. The Bears are not exactly having the start to the season they were hoping for and now trade deals of big-named players are beginning to roll out. Already, the Bears have traded away high-priced free agent addition Jared Allen and former second-round draft pick Jon Bostic. Now the question becomes who is next. The Bears are coming off another bad loss and many believe no one is safe.
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, Jeff Dickerson of ESPN and Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports all suggest a trade of Matt Forte must now be in the works for the Bears. Forte is playing out the final year of his contract and will become a free agent after the team failed to negotiate an extension in the offseason. He has been the workhorse of the offense, their best producer so far this year. He has the greatest amount of value on the roster and if available there will be teams ready to deal.
The Bears are 0-3 right now and showing no signs of improvement with Jay Cutler dealing with a hamstring injury. Dickerson makes the claim that out of the two high-profile free-agents-to-be in Forte and Alshon Jeffery, the running back is the player expendable. General manager Ryan Pace denied his request of a new contract causing the running back to hold out during off season practices. The Bears know just how much he is worth to a team. At his age, Forte and Bears will likely go round and round on contract talks, so unless the team secretly plans to sign him, a trade is the best option.
If Forte were to be dealt, the free agent market actually has quality options available for the taking. Montee Ball, Pierre Thomas and of course Ray Rice are all available. Ka'Deem Carey and Jacquizz Rodgers remain the best roster options to replace the veteran if needed.
What about Cutler? Edholm brings up the idea of also dealing the quarterback considering his lack of success in recent years. Cutler's contract, injuries and poor production make it very difficult to move him, but the Bears could at least explore options. All signs point to the team taking a top draft pick next year at the position to either backup Cutler or replace him. Exploring the trade market now is not a bad idea.
The Bears have issues on their hands. According to the Chicago Tribune, Jeffery is set to return this week as he fights for a new contract. Jimmy Clausen is expected to be back under center. Martellus Bennett is expected to command for a new contract as well after holding out a portion of last year for a new deal. Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson must step up as well in the coming weeks.
