If either defensive lineman Andrew Billings or Gervon Dexter Sr. is injured, the Chicago Bears may have significant issues. Aside from these two players, the team lacks depth on the defensive line and would benefit from bolstering the position sooner than later. A trade for New Orleans Saints DT Bryan Bresee could be one way to strengthen the defensive tackle position.
Bears Should Trade for Saints Bryan Bresee
Bryan Bresee Would Be an Instant Difference-Maker for the Bears
Bryan Bresee has steadily improved after being selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has 4.5 sacks and 24 total tackles in his debut season, playing in all 17 games. However, his playing time was limited to 48.69%, which is lower than the average for a first-round pick. This season, he finds himself in a similar scenario, trailing Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd in the depth chart. Despite this, Bresee has continued to grow as a run defender, as noted by Saints head coach Dennis Allen.
Bresee showed good pass-rushing abilities when he entered the league, but he needed to work on his run-stopping talents. Now, he can take the next step and possibly play a larger part for the Bears.
If There’s One Position the Bears Need to Trade For, Its Defensive Tackle
Surprisingly, the Bears currently feature one of the top defensive tackle duos in the NFL, with Billings and Dexter Sr.
Billings has been a force in both pass rush and run defense, while Dexter Sr. has made significant progress in his second NFL season. Despite their success, backup players have not been as consistent.
Zacch Pickens, a third-round pick, has been one of the season’s most disappointing performers. He hasn’t met expectations, suffered a groin injury, and hasn’t played since Week 2’s loss to the Houston Texans, ruling him out of the upcoming game in London against the Jaguars. The surviving defensive tackles are Chris Williams (five total tackles) and Bryan Cowart (two).
Knock on wood, but if one of the Bears’ starting defensive tackles goes down, they could have a serious problem. Quality depth is critical for a team that is 3-2 and struggling to make the playoffs. This makes a lot of sense given reports that the Bears were looking to upgrade at defensive tackle. Bresee is a valuable rotating player who can get to the quarterback from the interior of the line.
What’s in It for the Saints?
The Saints are 2-3 and presently rank third in the NFC South. If there is any chance for the team going forward, it is to recognize that Derek Carr may not be the answer at quarterback—especially since he is set to miss a few weeks due to an oblique injury suffered against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Saints may profit from stockpiling draft capital, especially if they can land an early-round pick for a backup player. They may utilize that draft cash to select an offensive weapon for Spencer Rattler, the franchise’s likely future star.
