The Chicago Bears and general manager Ryan Poles have made it clear in recent seasons that trading is always an option when it comes to building the roster. And now, another potential superstar could be on the trade block. According to insider discussions on SNY’s Jets Final Drive between NFL insider Connor Hughes and Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, the New York Jets may be more open than ever to moving their 27-year-old superstar, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.
And the Bears should be paying close attention.
Why the Bears Should Trade for Jets Superstar DT Quinnen Williams
Here’s what Hughes had to say on the developing situation surrounding Williams’ potential availability.
“You mentioned Quinnen Williams, I thought the same thing: first-round pick-plus. One and a three (or) one and a four. I was told by somebody very tied into this situation that the Jets are probably looking at a second-round pick for him. The reasoning for that is there is no real, substantial, guaranteed money left on his deal after this year. Teams know…there are rumblings around there that Quinnen Williams is unhappy, that’s the perception outside of Florham Park. We haven’t talked to Quinnen to see if he’s unhappy. He 100 percent would not tell the media the truth if he was unhappy or not.”
Even without full confirmation of his frustration, the external belief is real. “If he’s going to be traded, it’s because Quinnen wants out and the guaranteed money isn’t necessarily there as they would expect,” Hughes added.
This is where the Bears come in.
Williams signed a four-year, $96 million extension in 2023, which briefly made him the highest-paid interior defensive lineman in total contract value. Williams is a franchise player with All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors and is still well within his prime.
Any scenario in which a player of this caliber costs less than a first-rounder is almost unheard of. In reality, Williams likely will command something far greater — maybe the second-round pick mentioned plus additional capital or a high-end player.
But the fact that a price even this low was mentioned at all should make the Bears immediately inquire about his availability.
Why Chicago Should Be Interested
A defensive front featuring Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter Sr., Dayo Odeyingbo, and Williams should instantly give the Bears one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL.
Williams is a proven run-stuffer who can also dominate as a pass rusher. The Bears have the draft capital and a culture trending in the right direction, and the financials are something that can always be worked out to ensure Williams would be happy.
Plus, Chicago should already have leverage if the reports on Williams being unhappy in New York are true.
The question isn’t whether Williams would transform Chicago’s defense; it’s whether the Jets would give him up for just a second-round pick or even trade him in general.
If the price is really just a second-round pick, the Bears should be the first ones on the phone. If it’s significantly more, which is the more likely scenario, Chicago should still inquire because dominant interior defenders do not become available often.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Bears Should Trade for Quinnen Williams Amid Major Development appeared first on Heavy Sports.