Chicago Bears Rumors: Are The Bears In On Muhammad Wilkerson?


Are the Chicago Bears looking into acquiring help on the defensive line?

If the reports are accurate that the Bears might be interested in the New York Jets’ Muhammad Wilkerson, then the answer would be affirmative.

According to the Chicago-centric website Sports Mockery, if there is a trade to be made for Muhammad Wilkerson, then the Chicago Bears would be the front-runners to acquire him. If the Bears were to add him in a trade, it would be a huge haul. Not only is Muhammad Wilkerson, one of the best pass rushers in football, he would be an ideal fit for the Bears’ defense.

With the NFL draft coming up, and with the Bears in need of a player who can get to the opposing team’s quarterback, their potential interest in Wilkerson makes total sense. If the asking for him is right, there could be some negotiations going on between the two teams.

Wilkerson, a highly productive defensive lineman with 36 career sacks, would cost the Bears, or any team for that matter, a high price. So many teams are monitoring the Muhammad Wilkerson situation with the Jets that it could create a bidding war in the league. He should be on the Bears’ radar.

The reason why Wilkerson could be on the trading block in the first place is because of the contract impasse he and the New York Jets are having.

Muhammad Wilkerson wants a new contract and the franchise tag the Jets have placed on him suggest that he is due for a new deal. Chances are that he will not get to see any long term negotiations with his current team before training camp begins. The franchise tag which was placed on him, along with the current salary cap situation have, made it difficult to see a resolution come anytime soon. Then, there is the story of Wilkerson’s broken leg.

It was reported by ESPN in January that the Jets were looking to hammer out a long-term contract with Muhammad Wilkerson. Once no deal was made, acrimony was created. Could that open the door for the Chicago Bears to trade for him?

Wilkerson would fill another need for the Bears. Most people believe they would have to perhaps part ways with a first or second round pick to consummate a deal. It is unlikely that the Bears would trade their 11th pick for any player without having the ability to add a first round selection later. One idea would be for the Bears and Jets to swap picks 11 and 20, with Bears adding a third or fourth-rounder. Assuming that they would have to sign Wilkerson to an extension, they would take on a huge salary number.

Muhammad Wilkerson
The New York Jets’ Muhammad Wilkerson celebrates with his teammates after making a play. Could he wind up taking his talents to the Chicago Bears? [Photo by Elsa/Getty Images]
In the history of NFL trades involving players with the franchise tag, deals are seldom so one-sided in regard to what teams have to give up. The Bears giving up a first round pick for Muhammad Wilkerson is too much due to the premium placed on the spot where the Bears are selecting. Giving away multiple draft picks usually only takes place to acquire one of the top 15 picks, or quarterbacks, not a defensive player coming off a broken leg, who happens to be franchised. It does not matter how good he is. Von Miller, he is not. If the Bears had a chance to get Von Miller, they would hand over the draft picks.

Here is an example: the Chicago Bears are sitting at 11 and Player X has fallen down the draft board, making themselves available. Team A and Team C want to select Player X, who may not be there when their selections are made. Are either of those teams going to just offer the Chicago Bears their first round choices and an additional pick, or a player as a sweetener?

The answer is, “yes.”

Would that be enough for the Chicago Bears to make a deal happen?

Absolutely not. The Bears will want much more in return for the pick which represents a player who has a salary that will be controlled for four or five seasons. A salary, which will not break the bank.

Player X could be a quarterback such as Carson Wentz of North Dakota State or Memphis’ Paxton Lynch. Team A could be the Jets and Team B could be Denver Broncos. Both are in need of a quarterback. So does the Bears, but their need is at the backup QB spot. They have a greater need for a player on the defensive line. Why would the Bears jump at the opportunity to hand over their 11th pick for Muhammad Wilkerson now, when a scenario could take place where they could have more leverage on draft day?

That leverage could allow the Chicago Bears to simply swap picks with the New York Jets.

The Chicago Bears could also hold on to their pick and draft a player that they scouted on draft day. The Bears could use a player of Muhammad Wilkerson’s caliber right now, but there could be a player whom they really like at 11 who could be groomed into a better contributor. If the asking price for Wilkerson were to drop to a mid-round selection, expect the Chicago Bears to make something happen.

[Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images]

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