Whispers surfaced this week that the Chicago Bears have been in contact with the Tennessee Titans about a potential trade. The obvious name involved is superstar defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. He’s having a career year, but the Titans are one of the worst teams in the NFL. It is pretty clear they are in a rebuilding phase around quarterback Cam Ward. Trading Simmons while his value is high makes plenty of sense. Chicago desperately needs a difference-maker up front. He could potentially solve several of their problems.
However, it turns out Simmons isn’t the only name the Bears inquired about. Sources told SM they also spoke to Tennessee about the availability of running back Tony Pollard. It’s no secret that Chicago’s running game has struggled this season. Adding another weapon in the backfield feels like a logical move. Head coach Ben Johnson loves runners with speed. Pollard has plenty of that. He has been productive for the Titans despite their offensive struggles. At 28 years old, he has one year left on his contract.
The Bears likely feel they can get him at an affordable price if Tennessee is in a selling mood.
The Chicago Bears face one notable obstacle.
Tennessee doesn’t have a clear replacement for Pollard if they were to trade him. He’s been their primary back all season, with nobody else getting significant carries. The Titans would likely lean on Tyjae Spears and rookie Kalel Mullings if they were to trade him. Spears has gotten little action this season and Mullings hasn’t gotten any. The Titans already have problems with their cast of weapons for Ward. Trading one away seems counterproductive.
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In such an instance, perhaps the Chicago Bears can look for a player swap. For example, they might send Roschon Johnson to Tennessee along with a draft pick or Pollard. Johnson hasn’t gotten much work in Chicago due to D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. A fresh start with the Titans might be what he needs. He’d certainly bring a different dimension to their backfield.
Much of this depends on what happens over the next couple of weeks, or even the next 48 hours. If the Titans win and Bears lose, any trade possibility would likely fizzle out.