On the February 20 episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” the former New York Jets general manager and Miami Dolphins executive recommended the player-for-player deal, citing Chicago’s lack of wide receiver depth as the key reason for the transaction.
Stevenson was taken in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft by the Bears, and he had a great rookie season last year. Stevenson started 16 games and tied for the team lead with four interceptions, forcing two fumbles and breaking up 16 passes.
Diggs will join his tenth NFL season in 2024. He recently completed his fourth season with the Bills, catching 107 passes for 1,183 yards (11.1 yards per catch) and eight touchdowns.
Would the Bears trade CB Tyrique Stevenson for WR Stefon Diggs?
While the Bears clearly need wide out help, it’s unlikely that the team would trade a potential young defensive back for a 30-year-old wideout whose greatest playing days are undoubtedly behind him.
That is not to diminish Diggs’ abilities; he is not extraordinary, but he is still one of the league’s top wide receivers. The veteran wideout has had over 100 receptions in five of his previous six seasons and has been chosen to the All-Pro team twice in the last four.
However, it’s unclear why Tannenbaum believes either team would be a fan of this proposed trade. Why would the Bills want to deal their top wideout, Diggs, for another cornerback when they already have two excellent ones in Rasul Douglas and Tre’Davious White?
The Bears moved up in the draft last year to select Stevenson, and they value his defensive contributions. And, with the Bears being one of the NFL’s ten youngest teams, general manager Ryan Poles has not been known to pursue aging veterans in free agency.
The cornerback position is a strength for the Bears heading into the 2024 season.
The Bears tied the San Francisco 49ers for the league lead in interceptions (22) and their secondary played a significant role in it.
Stevenson, Jaylon Johnson, and Kyler Gordon are all 25 or younger, giving the Bears a bevy of promise at the cornerback position. Stevenson and Johnson both had four of those interceptions. Gordon recorded two interceptions last year.
Gordon’s play improved significantly in Year 2. He broke his hand in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, but when he did play, he made an impression. He appeared in 13 games, primarily in the slot, where he accumulated 501 snaps.
Johnson earned his first All-Pro season and is expected to either be franchised or re-signed to a big contract deal. Johnson dominated in 2023, earning PFF’s highest coverage grade (91.0). When targeted, he allowed only 25 receptions on 50 targets, with a passer rating of 33.3.
All three CBs have upward trajectories, making ideas like Tannenbaum’s seem ludicrous.
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