The Chicago Bears have been widely tied to a potential trade for New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, but one respected beat writer in the Windy City believes a deal between the two clubs remains a long shot.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune believes “chances are slim” Bears general manager Ryan Pace would include Chicago’s first-round pick in a trade for Wilkerson, who was given the franchise tag by the Jets this offseason. The Bears hold the No. 11 overall pick in the 2016 draft.
Biggs also thinks Pace and the Bears will choose the relatively “cheap” contract of a draft pick at No. 11 over trading for Wilkerson, who will likely command a monster deal in line with Malik Jackson’s $90 million deal by the end of the 2016 season. The Jacksonville Jaguars gave Jackson $42 million guaranteed.
This year’s draft is also loaded with talented defensive linemen, making it possible for the Bears to find a legitimate starter up front without the huge price tag of completing a deal for Wilkerson.
In theory, a trade still makes good sense for the Bears. Chicago could use another difference-making defensive end to pair with free-agent acquisition Akiem Hicks, and no personnel executive can guarantee drafting a player of Wilkerson’s quality at No. 11 overall. In terms of gambles, Wilkerson is probably a safer bet than a young, unproven player coming from the college ranks.
However, Biggs makes a compelling argument against Chicago making the move. Trading first-round picks is risky business regardless of the return, and the economics of building a complete roster requires consistently making strong draft picks. Wilkerson and the Bears are a great fit on paper, but there’s often times more to a potential trade than the surface details.
