With the NFL offseason becoming the focal point for most teams, the Chicago Bears have already begun making changes. They fired head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace and will look for a new leadership group. Making roster moves this offseason will be a must as well and the Bears could look to make a big splash via trade for Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
Rumors have been swirling that Ridley and the Falcons may be headed for a split this offseason. If that is the case, the Bears are one of the teams that have been mentioned as a potential trade destination.
CBS Sports mentioned the Bears as their No. 3 trade destination for Ridley this offseason. It certainly makes sense, as Chicago would love to add more dynamic weapons for quarterback Justin Fields. Allen Robinson also appears ready to leave the team this offseason in free agency.
No matter who’s at head coach and general manager, they badly need weapons for young QB Justin Fields. They’ve got four wideouts, including a battered Allen Robinson, set to hit free agency. And they’ve got $28 million to spend. Nothing would electrify their 2022 prospects more than pairing Fields with a home-run threat out wide.
Ridley has been one of the NFL’s most underrated star wide receivers in recent years. However, this past season, in his first year without Julio Jones on the team, Ridley was only able to play in five games.
He ended up catching 31 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns this season. Those weren’t the numbers he was hoping for, but Ridley can’t control his health status. Back in 2020, Ridley racked up 90 receptions for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns.
For the Bears, it’s time to get aggressive to get back into playoff contention. They have been stuck behind the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North for quite some time. In order to rise above the Packers, the Bears will need to make quite a few moves and bring in a lot of talent.
At 27 years of age, Calvin Ridley would not only be a great pickup now for the Bears, but he would be a long-term fixture of the offense as well. If he can stay healthy, Ridley would give Chicago the No. 1 target they need.
Expect to hear quite a few rumors about Ridley this offseason. The Bears may not end up pursuing him, but if he is available, they should strongly consider the option of trading for him.
