The Chicago Bears hired head coach Matt Eberflus to replace Matt Nagy.
Expect the Bears’ defense to turn it up a notch with a former defensive coordinator at the helm.
The 2022 NFL Draft could be a fantastic opportunity to build that unit, but they don’t get to draft until the second round.
In that case, they should retain the bright spots on their defense, one of them being linebacker Robert Quinn.
The linebacker from North Carolina finished second in sacks last season with 18.5, to go with 38 solo tackles and four forced fumbles.
But while it’s a must for the Bears to keep him, the 31-year-old defensive anchor hinted that he might be on the move, as shared by Chicago Sun-Times writer Jason Lieser.
Quinn said, “The only thing I thought of was hopefully my resume or my production from last year gives me a little weight to keep my foot in the building. I didn’t expect to go anywhere or want to go anywhere, but again, this is a crazy business.”
However, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport clarified Quinn’s statement.
Following up on this from yesterday: The #Bears are not currently shopping pass-rusher Robert Quinn, source said. Quinn referenced some uncertainty in his interview and other teams have been monitoring, but Chicago is not shopping him. https://t.co/zlC42pydb8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2022
He pointed out that Quinn spent time with Eberflus even if teams inquired about him.
Rapoport added, “Following up on this from yesterday: The #Bears are not currently shopping pass-rusher Robert Quinn, source said. Quinn referenced some uncertainty in his interview, and other teams have been monitoring, but Chicago is not shopping him.”
There’s No Sense In Trading Him
If they traded Quinn away, the Bears would have no backup plan for their pass rush.
Last season, Trevis Gipson finished a distant second with seven sacks while Khalil Mack had six.
Besides, Eberflus’ wisdom will help maximize Quinn’s capabilities.
Therefore, it would be better for him to play out his contract with Chicago.
He has three years left in his contract, giving him plenty of time to build from a stellar 2021 season.
NEXT: The Bears Should Be All-In On Getting Deebo Samuel