Imagine the Chicago Bears with a potentially game-changing pass rusher. It almost happened! Before acquiring Joe Tryon-Shoyinka from the Cleveland Browns to bolster their defensive line, the Bears had their sights set much higher. But here's where it gets controversial... they were reportedly in hot pursuit of New York Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson!
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Bears were among several teams vying for Johnson's talents leading up to the trade deadline. The Jets, however, were holding firm, demanding a steep price: a second-round draft pick. And this is the part most people miss... that price tag apparently proved too rich for Chicago's blood. Was it a wise decision? Let's discuss that later.
Ultimately, the Bears pivoted, settling for Tryon-Shoyinka in a far less expensive deal. They sent a sixth-round pick to the Browns and in return received Tryon-Shoyinka and a seventh-round selection. A significant difference in investment, wouldn't you agree?
Now, let's talk about Jermaine Johnson. As a former first-round pick, Johnson is currently playing in the final year of his rookie contract. Acquiring him wouldn't have just meant trading draft capital; it almost certainly would've necessitated a contract extension, a long-term commitment. In his five games with the Jets this season, Johnson has recorded 19 tackles, one sack, and one pass breakup. Solid numbers, but were they worth a second-round pick AND a lucrative extension? That's the million-dollar question.
Instead of gambling a valuable second-round pick on Johnson, Bears General Manager Ryan Poles opted for the safer, more economical route with Tryon-Shoyinka. Tryon-Shoyinka brings experience to the table, having racked up 15 sacks in his four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's now expected to provide crucial depth behind star pass rusher Montez Sweat and promising rookie Austin Booker. But will he be enough? Some argue that Poles played it too safe, prioritizing future draft capital over immediate impact. Others believe he made the fiscally responsible choice, avoiding a potentially risky long-term commitment.
What do you think? Did the Bears make the right call by passing on Jermaine Johnson, even if it meant missing out on a potentially elite edge rusher? Or should they have rolled the dice and paid the Jets' asking price? Let us know your opinion in the comments below! And consider this: what if Johnson blossoms into a perennial Pro Bowler with another team? Would the Bears regret their decision then? The debate rages on!
