Trade for Pass Rusher Shane Ray

We need to continue talking about pass rusher because it’s such a need. Yes, there are questions at other positions but those other positions at least have several players in so depth is pretty good. There isn’t really a starting-level outside pass rusher on the roster. Fitts could be one but in the future and, as I mentioned earlier, he needs to show he’s over the injury bug.

Shane Ray doesn’t have the injury history of Fowler, but he hasn’t played up to his potential. He’s shown some flashes but hasn’t been consistent in his play with the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos went out and drafted Bradley Chubb, the best pass rusher in this year’s draft. They then failed to pick up Shane Ray’s fifth-year option. That means if he stays with the team this is his last year with the Broncos. He is also a 2015 first-round pick (23rd overall), so Denver wants to at least receive something for him.

CBSSports.com’s Sean Wagner-McGough wrote about Ray and how teams with a need at pass rusher may view him:

 “From the perspective of pass-rushing needy teams, they might look at Ray as a buy-low, high-reward option. In 2016, when he played in a full season for the only time in his career, he ranked 12th at his position group in terms of pass-rushing productivity, racking up 45 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.”

Ray could be had at a less expensive than Fowler. If the price is right, the Chicago Bears should take a very close look and pull the trigger on a deal. A middle-round draft pick could do it.

Next: Do You See a Pattern Here?