Key Chicago Bears Name Drawing Interest From “Multiple” Teams

GM Ryan Poles has already become the most active executive at the 2022 trade deadline. He kickstarted things by sending Robert Quinn to Philadelphia for a 4th round pick. Next, he hatched a mini blockbuster by shipping the always disgruntled Roquan Smith to Baltimore for 2nd and 5th round picks. The Chicago Bears shot-caller has made his message clear. This team is rebuilding, and anybody that he didn’t acquire could be in danger of being the next guy out.

From the sound of things, Poles isn’t done yet. He’s still working the phones. Other names have been speculated, but one that appears to have the most steam is David Montgomery. The running back remains a steady and dependable player for the Bears, but he’s a free agent next year. It is unlikely the team will sign him to a new deal. Not with Khalil Herbert emerging as their most productive player. According to Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog, other NFL teams are aware of this and have been calling about Montgomery.

Multiple teams are interested. https://t.co/ZXJeSl8Ysr

— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) October 31, 2022

David Montgomery just kept running and running and running #DaBears

????: #CHIvsNE on ESPN
????: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/2HQeNdaFPc pic.twitter.com/x8NOrjXmcj

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2022

The Chicago Bears having a market makes this deal easy to see.

Plenty of teams around the league can use running back help. A personal source said the Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills have been the most active. All three are in the playoff chase. Adding a bruiser like Montgomery, with his additional pass-protecting prowess, makes total sense. It comes down to what the Bears are asking for in return. Smart money says it won’t be more than a 5th round pick. It’s worth noting Buffalo has two 5th rounders next year.

All things considered, such a trade would be a win for the Chicago Bears. They spent a 3rd round pick to acquire Montgomery in 2019. Then they got three really solid seasons from him on offense. If they can trade him for a decent mid-round selection, they’ll have completed a strong bit of NFL business. Losing Montgomery would be tough. He’s such a tough player and a significant locker room presence. Still, such tough decisions must be made.