The Chicago Bears are smack dab in the middle of playoff contention in the NFC, but they could still afford to make some moves to bolster their roster, specifically when it comes to helping the struggling Caleb Williams.
The Bears’ offensive line in particular has been a source of contention, and with the NFL trade deadline just a few days away, Chicago could look to swing a deal to improve the unit.
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Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon has identified a potential solution for the Bears, linking them to a trade for New York Giants tackle Evan Neal.
“This after they already grabbed C.J. Gardner-Johnson on the open market. Braxton Jones is on injured reserve, while Theo Benedet has had issues at left tackle,” Gagnon wrote. “Neal at least brings some experience and versatility, and the Bears can hope he gets a jolt in a new location, as the Giants have little reason to keep him around at this point. It’s insurance for a late-round pick at the very least.”
Neal was originally selected by New York with the seventh overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, he has been a massive disappointment in the Big Apple and hasn’t even played a game this season.
The Giants declined Neal’s fifth-year option, meaning he is slated to hit free agency in March. As a result, New York would obviously stand to benefit from trading him now, and he would represent a cheap potential pickup for Chicago.
Perhaps a change of scenery will strongly benefit Neal, who actually showed some signs of life last year with an 80.8 run-blocking grade at Pro Football Focus in nine games.
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The Bears are currently 4-3 and are coming off of a very tough loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but they are very much alive in the postseason hunt. But it’s clear they are the third banana in the NFC North behind the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, so in order to solidify their playoff chances, they will probably need to get some help.
Neal would not be the most exciting addition, but he would at least provide some depth in the trenches. And who knows? Maybe the University of Alabama product would break out in the Windy City.
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