Chicago Bears: 4 Players who could be traded in 2017

The Chicago Bears could look to trade some veteran talent in an attempt to acquire future draft picks.

In the midst of a rebuild, it seems like the Chicago Bears would be willing to trade some of their older players for future assets (i.e. draft picks). Despite being 3-13 in 2016, the team did have some individual players who performed admirably and could be seen as good trade chips.

So, let’s take a look at some players who could return a nice package if the Bears decided to move them.

Note: Players with less than four years of experience will not be considered, as they still could be “building blocks” for the team.

Jerrell Freeman, LB

Freeman’s stock took a bit of a hit when he was suspended four games for PED use last season, but he still could bring the team a third- or fourth-round pick. Freeman is getting older (31), but he still brings it on the field. His coverage ability is underrated, and he’s a tackling machine. He also is a good player in the locker room, and would make a great acquisition for a team with Super Bowl aspirations in 2017.

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Willie Young, LB

Young had a great start to the 2016 campaign, but his play tailed-off as the season went on. Despite this, Young still competes and shows stretches of brilliance. He likely wouldn’t be worth more than a fifth- or sixth-round pick, but he’s a nice rotational player who could serve a critical role on a playoff-bound team.

Akiem Hicks, DL

Hicks’ arrow is definitely pointing up, and it would be wise for the Bears to sign him to a contract extension. However, if the Bears feel like a deal cannot be done, they would be smart to move the free-agent-to-be for a third-round pick. Hicks’ value is at an all-time high (he’s coming off a season in which he set a career-high in tackles and sacks), and the number of potential suitors would be high. It would be a shame to see Hicks leave, but at least the Bears would get something in return.

Josh Sitton, OG

Sitton was a great addition last season, and he was one of the Bears’ best players when healthy. However, he’ll be a free agent after the 2018 season, and likely will be looking for a big money deal. In addition, the Bears have depth at guard (Eric Kush, Hroniss Grasu, and rookie Jordan Morgan) and could replace Sitton with a decent player. The trade market for guards is not high, but Sitton very easily could fetch the Bears a third- or fourth-round pick.

Next: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Best players by jersey number

Trades very rarely happen in the NFL, so the likelihood of any of these players being traded is low. But, it wouldn’t hurt Ryan Pace and the Bears front office to explore some trades and possibly add to their stable of 2018 draft picks. By also trading some of these players, the Bears’ chances of “earning” a high draft choice of their own greatly increases.