As we inch closer to the start of NFL free agency on March 11th, the rumor mill is buzzing with potential trades. The Chicago Bears, no strangers to making moves, are once again in the spotlight.
Last year, they successfully brought in Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson during this period, so it's no surprise to hear their name in connection with a fresh trade rumor. This time, the chatter involves wide receiver DJ Moore, whose hefty contract and underwhelming season have sparked speculation about his future in Chicago.
A tweet from the account MisterTD has ignited discussions, suggesting that the Bears and New York Giants are in talks about a player swap. The proposed deal would send Moore to New York, with pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux heading to Chicago. There’s also a possibility of draft picks being part of the negotiations.
The reasoning behind this trade seems straightforward. The Giants are facing a potential shortage at wide receiver, with Wan’Dale Robinson heading to free agency and Malik Nabers recovering from a serious knee injury.
They need reliable targets for their young quarterback, Jaxon Dart. On the flip side, Thibodeaux is approaching free agency, and with the Giants already having financial commitments to Brian Burns and future plans for Abdul Carter, retaining Thibodeaux might not be feasible.
For the Bears, adding a quality edge rusher like Thibodeaux could significantly bolster their defense.
However, there are hurdles to this trade. The Giants are in a financial bind, with only $5 million in cap space, far short of what’s needed to accommodate Moore's $28.5 million cap hit.
They could maneuver to create more space, but that often involves restructuring contracts, a strategy teams typically avoid unless absolutely necessary. For this trade to work, the Bears might have to include draft capital to make it more appealing for New York.
For Chicago, acquiring Thibodeaux could be a double-edged sword. While he would undoubtedly enhance their pass rush, his recent injury history is concerning.
He played only 10 games last season due to a shoulder injury and missed significant time in 2024 with a wrist issue. Despite these setbacks, Thibodeaux showcased his potential in 2023 with an impressive 11.5 sacks.
The Bears would need to decide whether they view him as a long-term asset or a short-term solution for the upcoming season.
Thibodeaux's contract situation adds another layer to the decision-making process. With only one year left on his rookie deal, the Bears must weigh the potential benefits of securing him long-term against the risks associated with his health.
If they see him as a valuable piece for the future, they might be willing to part with a draft pick along with Moore. If not, they could be hesitant to offer much in return.
While the trade makes sense on paper, the financial and health-related complications make it seem unlikely. The Giants' cap constraints and the Bears' cautious approach to injury-prone players are significant obstacles. Even if the rumor holds some truth, both teams might have other, more viable options to explore.