Through the first two games of the 2024 season, it’s been difficult to get a true sense of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and his potential as a pro. Of sure, there will be rookie issues. However, his first two games have been severely hurt by the team’s obvious inferiority.
To no one’s surprise, we’re discussing the offensive line, namely the interior.
Centre Coleman Shelton and guard Nate Davis have appeared to be the Bears’ two worst players in the first two games, and it hasn’t been close. Williams is under continual pressure from right in front of him. Meanwhile, the run game can’t get started because D’Andre Swift and his teammates are attempting to run through real walls.
Now, entirely addressing the offensive line’s interior will not happen with a single transaction, nor will it happen this year — at least not probable.
However, general manager Ryan Poles may work to improve it, which is where this proposal is headed.
Once upon a time, the Bears traded with the Carolina Panthers. You might remember it.
You know, the one in which Chicago acquired D.J. Moore, Caleb Williams, Darnell Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, and a 2025 second-round pick? Yes, the one.
If the Bears wanted to conduct business again, they could contact Carolina. This time, it would be one of their inside offensive lineman.
The Panthers are a shambles, and the Bears should capitalize.
The Panthers have benched second-year quarterback Bryce Young in favour of Andy Dalton, a former Bear. Dave Canales, the team’s first-year head coach, is now being heavily questioned and ridiculed for his choice, which came just days after he supported Young as the starter.
Carolina Panthers may consider selling at this year’s trade deadline or earlier, as they are no longer competitive.
Bryce Young’s benching might assure the Bears another high draft pick in 2025.
The Panthers have two guards who could be useful to the Bears, one of whom is far more pricey than the other.
First, Robert Hunt is worth checking into. The 28-year-old is in the first year of a five-year, $100 million contract and is currently ranked as the second-best pass blocking guard in football by PFF.
As one of the top guards in football, the Bears would receive a long-term solution here. But, would Poles spend the draft capital required? Maybe sending back that 2025 second-round selection in exchange for Hunt is an option.
Otherwise, Chicago might look to Carolina’s other starting guard, Damien Lewis, who is presently ranked 15th in pass blocking by PFF. The 27-year-old also got a lucrative contract with Carolina this offseason. The transaction was worth $53 million over four years.
Lewis would probably be a little cheaper, allowing the Bears to save that second-round pick.
Poles should be on the phone with Carolina, discussing both guards’ likely availability. This is a circumstance in which teams will want to take advantage of a struggling franchise that is starving for young talent, and the Bears should be first in line.
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