Bears Blitz

Published by Cory Holibaugh on May 6, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

This article is in response to B/R’s Tab Bradford’s article, “How Braylon Edwards Can Become a Chicago Bear: A Deal Jerry Angelo Should Offer.”

In Tab’s article, his proposal was that the Browns trade Braylon Edwards to the Chicago Bears for the following players/picks:

Cornerback Nathan Vasher
Defensive End Alex Brown
Fifth-round draft pick

To be honest Tab, that is nowhere near enough for Braylon. The Bears will need to give up more than that.

First off, Nathan Vasher isn’t anything of worth to the Browns. The man signed a huge contract and hasn’t done much since. In the last three years, the man has only appeared in 26 games, starting 22 of them.

It is more likely the Browns would ask for CB Corey Graham. He has two years of NFL experience under his belt and became a starter last season. Despite only having one interception, he had 91 tackles.

He is currently 23 years old and would be a good pickup for the team. He could become a starter opposite Eric Wright, moving Brandon McDonald back in the depth chart.

Secondly, Alex Browns is a good player but not what the Browns are looking for. They have already added defensive lineman C.J. Mosley, David Bowens, and Kenyon Coleman. They are fine on D-linemen. They will certainly pass up on an average 29-year-old lineman in Brown.

A defensive player they should look at is Mark Anderson. He is a 25-year-old who would be a linebacker in the Browns’ 3-4 defensive scheme. In his rookie season, Anderson had 12.0 sacks. His production has dropped since, but he would be a nice pickup for Cleveland.

He would compete with David Veikune and Alex Hall for the left outside linebacker position that was previously held by Willie McGinest.

A position Eric Mangini loves to upgrade is the offensive line. In the offseason, Mangini cut inconsistent OT Kevin Shaffer while adding experienced linemen in Floyd Womack and John St. Clair.

A “throw-in” player more than anything would be offensive lineman Chris Williams. He was a rookie last season and played in nine games. No starts, but he saw playing time. He is young at 23 and would add much appreciated help.

When Womack and St. Clair leave (or other veterans), he could take their roles. He could even be molded into a starter down the road.

Last but not least, a draft pick—Tab added a fifth-round pick to his proposal, but I believe that they would have to give up a third or fourth-round pick. This would give them yet another pick to help the team rebuild for the future. They could even throw in another pick.

My offer for Edwards:

Cornerback Corey Graham (23 years old)
Linebacker Mark Anderson (25 years old)
Offensive Lineman Chris Williams (23 years old)
Third-round pick
Fifth-round pick

If anyone thinks that this is too much, when it is honestly barely enough, think again.

How much did the Bears give up for Jay Cutler? They gave up three draft picks (two first-round picks) and QB Kyle Orton.

The Bears desperately need a receiver, and with Cutler and RB Matt Forte, a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver would be great for Chicago’s offense. This could throw them over the top.

With the Browns stocking up on receivers (veteran Mike Furrey most recently), a trade for Edwards seems more possible. I still don’t see them trading him, but anything is possible, especially with Mangini.

I’m not saying this trade will be made; I’m just stating what I think the Bears would have to give up for him—all in comparison to Tab’s article.