Anthony Miller, Chicago Bears. (Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
The Chicago Bears need to make these series of moves to ensure Andy Dalton of success.
The Chicago Bears must move forward, and only forward, with Andy Dalton as their starting quarterback for 2021.
It does not matter how lukewarm much of the Bears’ fanbase is on the free-agent signing. Dalton was a three-time Pro Bowler when he was in his prime with the Cincinnati Bengals. No other Bears quarterback has ever been to that many in their middling careers. Right out of the gate, he led dysfunctional Cincinnati to five straight AFC playoff berths. He makes the Bears better in 2021.
So while some Bears fans will want to see their franchise trade up from No. 20 to get themselves their next savior at the quarterback position, just stop. Accept that Dalton is the guy for 2021. If it pans out and he has success, then he and the rest of the organization can build on that. If not, then it is full-steam ahead towards drafting a guy in 2022 or signing someone else in free agency.
Chicago Bears: 3 moves to ensure Andy Dalton of a successful 2021 season
3. Trade wide receiver Anthony Miller for any draft compensation
This is a minor move, but one the Bears should consider. Despite being a Consensus All-American playing for Mike Norvell at Memphis, wide receiver Anthony Miller has largely been a bust in Bears uniform. Chicago used the No. 51 overall pick on the former Tigers standout in the 2018 NFL Draft. It has not panned out for him in three years with the Bears, and they should trade him.
Chicago has supposedly put Miller on the trading block. With several teams interested in his services, all that means is the Bears should be able to garner a great deal of compensation for a player that is probably not going to factor much in Bill Lazor’s offense. Miller may just need a change of scenery, so a deal here could be a positive one for both parties involved, or let’s hope so.
Miller is probably not going to get the Bears anything more than a day-three pick in this draft because he is entering a contract year. However, more draft capital will afford general manager Ryan Pace even more maneuverability to navigate the 2021 NFL Draft board. While he could take a player who could help him right away with Miller’s return compensation, he could also deal it.