As the November 5 trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Bears find themselves at a crossroads, potentially poised to be both buyers and sellers. A significant development has surfaced as offensive lineman Nate Davis, who signed a lucrative three-year, $30 million deal before the 2023 season, has been benched for the second time this year. This situation raises questions about his future in Chicago and the Bears’ strategy heading into the deadline.
Davis has had a tumultuous season, sidelined twice in favor of backup options Ryan Bates and Matt Pryor. With Bates expected to return from a shoulder injury soon, the Bears’ offensive line depth could allow for a trade involving Davis. Speaking to the media on October 31, Davis addressed his benching, saying, “Just taking it one day at a time. That’s the best I can give you. Just be there for the guys who are playing. Just try to do this and that — try to offer advice when I can.”
Complications from Offensive Line Injuries
However, the Bears’ plans to part with Davis may be complicated by a recent wave of injuries on the offensive line. Starting left tackle Braxton Jones is out with a knee injury, and with a critical game against the Arizona Cardinals looming, Chicago’s playoff hopes hang in the balance. The Bears face one of the toughest schedules in the league over the next ten weeks, with only one matchup against a currently sub-.500 team— the New England Patriots in Week 10.
The situation is precarious as Bates is still questionable for Sunday’s game, along with fellow linemen Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom, both dealing with knee and ankle injuries, respectively. Rookie tackle Kiran Amegadjie has already been ruled out due to a calf issue. Head coach Matt Eberflus provided a glimmer of hope, stating, “Teven Jenkins was good today. He participated in most of the practice. He looks good out there, feels good, so we’re hopeful there.”
A Trade Market for Nate Davis?
Despite the Bears’ ongoing efforts to trade Davis, the timing of these injuries poses a dilemma. Reports from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler indicate that Chicago has been actively shopping the veteran guard and is willing to cover some of his $8 million salary to facilitate a deal. The organization seems ready to move on from Davis, especially given that he missed significant time last season due to injuries and has struggled with his work ethic in practice.
Yet, the reality remains that a healthy veteran like Davis might provide more immediate value than an inexperienced player, particularly when depth is at a premium. With the trade deadline just days away, Chicago’s front office faces a tough decision: to either hold onto Davis for the sake of depth or to pull the trigger on a trade that might help reshape the roster for the future.
As the Bears prepare for their pivotal matchup against the Cardinals, all eyes will be on the offensive line’s performance and how the injury situation unfolds. Will the Bears stick with Davis as they fight for a playoff spot, or will they take the plunge and move him before the deadline? The answers could significantly impact Chicago’s season and its long-term strategy as they navigate this challenging stretch.
