The Chicago Bears were quite active during the NFL’s trade deadline, dealing linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive end Robert Quinn, as well as acquiring receiver Chase Claypool.
With Smith and Quinn being traded, it speaks to a transition from prioritizing defense to offense, specifically how it pertains to quarterback Justin Fields.
General manager Ryan Poles going out and landing a deep-threat playmaker in Claypool shows that he’s committed to building this team around Fields, and this is just the first step.
As NFL analysts break down the winners and losers of the trade deadline, Fields was a popular winner among a number of outlets.
Here’s a collection of analysis where experts are declaring Fields a winner at the trade deadline:
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NFL.com praised the Bears for giving Fields an immediate upgrade at receiver.
It’s no secret that the Bears need to give their second-year quarterback more help at receiver. The addition of Chase Claypool, formerly of Pittsburgh, should be an immediate upgrade. Claypool was a solid weapon in his first two seasons with the Steelers, but he’s only been averaging 9.7 yards per catch this season. He’ll find more targets in Chicago and more opportunities to make big plays for a quarterback who now has another supersized weapon to go along with N’Keal Harry. Claypool is especially skilled at contested catches. He’ll make life much easier for Fields, who’s starting…
