Everyone remembers the Chicago Bears 2018 season where they got Khalil Mack.
The move energized the team and was a huge part in the Bears winning the NFC North that season.
However, could a move by the Bears like this in 2022 make a difference?
Depending on the player they get, it could change the landscape of the NFC North.
So who are these three players the Bears can target in a trade before the season starts?
3. Deion Jones
The Bears linebacker core is down to just one star, Roquan Smith.
However, a contract extension dispute between the two might cause issues with the star linebacker.
But if the Bears keep him, he’ll need some linebacker help.
If the Bears trade him, they need someone who can replace him.
Deion Jones is a linebacker who can either help Smith or replace him, depending on the Bears’ decision with Smith.
While Jones is on injured reserve, he should be back within four weeks.
He’s already a possible trade option for the Falcons when he’s healthy.
Deion Jones’ rehab knowing that he’s getting moved the second he returns to the team https://t.co/rcoXgGI5Wd pic.twitter.com/Aao1YHb2XW
— Andy (@AndySGallagher) September 1, 2022
However, the Bears can give a lower offer for Jones now, in hopes a move to Chicago revives his career.
Getting help for the linebacker core is a must for Chicago in 2022.
2. Jessie Bates III
Ever since the Bears let Adrian Amos go in 2019, the team needed a replacement of his caliber.
While they got Jaquan Brisker during the 2022 NFL Draft, an injury has him sidelined.
However, he should be back in time to play in week one of the new NFL season.
But that doesn’t mean the Bears should pass up getting Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III.
Bates was holding out earlier this year, hoping to get a contract extension.
#Bengals safety Jessie Bates on why he ended holdout: “I love football too much to sit out a whole year.”
— Richard Skinner (@Local12Skinny) August 24, 2022
But the Bengals won, as Bates has come back because of his love for playing football.
However, the Bears can use Bates’ desire for a better contract to tempt the Bengals into a trade.
While 2021 was an off-season for Bates, he normally has 100+ tackles and three interceptions each season.
The Bears can use this on their defense to stop the likes of Aaron Rodgers in the NFC North.
1. Kendrick Bourne
If Chicago wants to give quarterback Justin Fields another target on offense, getting Kendrick Bourne is a good move.
While other high-profile receivers already have new homes, Bourne is someone that the Bears could get.
However, other teams are also interested in getting the New England Patriots receiver.
Teams in need of a WR have been contacting the Patriots about trading for Kendrick Bourne, per @PhilAPerry.
Bourne did not suit up for the Patriots preseason game last night, a game in which the starters got run. pic.twitter.com/vdccQshDFg
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) August 20, 2022
A trade for Bourne gives the Bears and Fields a solid number two receiver.
With Fields solid performance during the preseason, giving him another weapon on offense can give the team an added edge.
He might not be a Tyreek Hill or Davante Adams, but he can add to the Bears’ offense.
Fields, who’s in his second season with Chicago, only has one wide receiver from last year’s group.
Darnell Mooney, last year’s top receiver, is the only main roster wide receiver that the Bears kept in 2022.
If the Bears want Fields 2022 season to be successful, they need to get him Bourne.
NEXT: The Bears Are Taking A Ton Of Chances With The 2022 Roster