Bears Among Favorites to Land $125 Million Superstar Amid Trade Rumors
The Chicago Bears are anticipated to be active this summer in their pursuit of disruptors, given their defensive line issues.
Chicago’s defensive front might become a powerful force again if they get another pass rusher to complement Montgomery Sweat.
This would be similar to the team’s successful 2018 defense after they acquired Khalil Mack.
Betting markets have identified the Bears as a potential destination after former Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett asked to be dealt from the Cleveland Browns.
Garrett is more likely to be acquired by other clubs, such as the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles, although Chicago is a contender due to their special set of assets.
The Bears have the sixth-best odds to acquire the irate Browns defensive end, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
If nothing else, the Bears ought to ask about trading for Myles Garrett.
According to DraftKings, the following are the favorites to acquire Garrett:
Commanders in Washington +300
Cleveland Browns +500 Philadelphia Eagles +450
Buffalo Bills +550
Lions of Detroit +650
Bears of Chicago +900
+1200 Green Bay Packers
Because of their strong financial standing and ample salary cap room for the next few seasons, the Bears are a team to keep an eye on.
With $63 million in cap space, Chicago has more than enough money to cover the remaining portion of Garrett’s $125 million contract and possibly extend it to keep him on board for the long run.
He owes $20 million in 2025 and 2026, although that might be altered with a restructuring and extension.
The team’s budgetary limitations are lessened by having quarterback Caleb Williams on a rookie contract, which may enable it to invest in a top defensive player like Garrett.
The Bears have several high-round selections in the 2025 draft and other key draft assets at their disposal.
On February 4, James Dator of SB Nation wrote, “Even though the defensive end made it clear he wants to be dealt to a contender, there’s a strong possibility that a new Ben Johnson-led era is able to sway Garrett into believing the Bears are poised for a Lions-esque breakout.
” He predicted it would take the Bears’ 2025 first-round pick (No. 10 overall) and the 2025 second-round pick they received from the Carolina Panthers (No. 39 overall).
“The only question is whether Garrett wants a team that is already regarded as great or one that might be on the verge of becoming so.”
The Bears should jump at the chance to acquire Garrett if that’s what it would take. However, it will probably take more than that if Cleveland wants to acquire Garrett the greatest trade deal possible.
A More Detailed Examination of the Data
The Bears wouldn’t have much of a draft left if they made a transaction like this. They would select No. 41 overall in Round 2.
They would also have two seventh-, sixth-, and fifth-round picks, as well as the No. 72 overall pick in Round 3.
Garrett has made a name for himself as one of the league’s top defensive ends since being selected first overall in the 2017 draft. He has participated in 117 games over the course of eight seasons, recording 352 total tackles—250 solo and 116 for loss.
He has amassed 102.5 career sacks, averaging almost 13.0 sacks per season, as a result of his unrelenting pursuit of quarterbacks. Garrett has demonstrated his ability to generate turnovers by forcing 20 fumbles and recovering six.
He has received four first-team All-Pro accolades and six Pro Bowl selections due to his steady play.
Six straight seasons have seen him earn double-digit sack totals, including a franchise-high 16.0 sacks in 2021 and 2022.
With 14.0 sacks, 47 tackles, an NFL-high 22 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles across 17 games in 2024, he maintained his strong play.
When it comes to selecting players who have an impact, the Bears have a poor track record, especially in recent years.
Garrett is a proven skill, so it could be appealing to add him. However, the Bears should look elsewhere for D-line assistance if Cleveland has too much demand.
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