ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently reported that Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has received trade interest from several teams. With that information, the Panthers are likely looking to tear down the team and restart. As part of this process, they could look to trade left guard Damien Lewis to acquire valuable draft picks. With that, the Chicago Bears should check on his availability.
Bears Should Check Availability on Panthers Guard Damien Lewis
Trading for Damien Lewis Would Solve a Massive Problem for the Bears
The Bears recently benched $30 million free agent signing Nate Davis. He wasn’t performing on the field and had issues staying healthy throughout his tenure as a Bear. That leaves the right guard position available for someone to snatch long-term. Here’s one way of thinking about it for the Bears. Teven Jenkins, arguably the Bears top offensive lineman when healthy, will be a free agent at the end of this season. While Jenkins has proven himself as a top-tier guard, there remains the crucial question of his availability given his injury history. If he were to leave, the Bears would have to find long-term solutions at both guard positions.
Instead of waiting until the offseason to address the guard positions, the Bears could benefit from trading for one now, especially with a potential playoff push on the horizon. Currently standing at 4-2 in the highly competitive NFC North, where all four teams are legitimate playoff contenders, the Bears could use additional reinforcements. Adding Lewis would provide much-needed support for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams against the formidable defensive lines within the division.
Creating a Long-Term Solution
For the sake of a potential trade for Damien Lewis, let’s say Teven Jenkins is re-signed after this season. Now, the Bears will only have to address the other guard and center position. Bringing in a proven player like Lewis would provide General Manager Ryan Poles with the flexibility to address other areas during free agency and the NFL Draft. The Bears could move Jenkins to right guard, where he performed exceptionally well alongside Darnell Wright last season, and slot Lewis in at left guard.
According to PFF, Lewis was the highest-graded Panther in Week 6, with an 80.4 grade. He’s arguably one of the best players on the Panthers, and with how their season is going, trading him while his value is high could be a smart decision for the Panthers. For the Bears, it all depends on if the Panthers are willing to trade Lewis. If they are willing to trade him, the Bears would likely pay a hefty price, including taking on his hefty salary and sacrificing valuable draft picks. It’s an enormous price, but one the Bears should be willing to take. Any help to aid the development of Caleb Williams should be welcomed with open arms, and adding Lewis would be a massive addition to a team with struggles at offensive line.
