The Chicago Bears could be active as both buyers and sellers leading up to the NFL’s trade deadline on November 5, with the team possibly moving on from a former starter who has been benched.
Offensive lineman Nate Davis, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract to join the Bears before the 2023 season, has been replaced twice this season in favor of backups Ryan Bates and Matt Pryor.
Davis reclaimed the position from Bates after Bates suffered an injury, and he spoke on October 31 about how he’s handling his second benching of 2024.
“Just taking it one day at a time. That’s the best I can give you,” Davis told the media, according to Josh Buckhalter of Clocker Sports. “Just be there for the guys who are playing. Just try to do this and that — try to offer advice when I can.”
Offensive Line Injuries May Force Bears to Keep Nate Davis Through Remainder of Season
The Bears expect Ryan Bates to return soon from a shoulder injury, which could make it easier to trade Nate Davis from a depth perspective on their inconsistent offensive line — an area that’s struggled to protect rookie quarterback and first overall pick Caleb Williams.
However, recent injuries on the line might complicate plans to trade Davis. Starting left tackle Braxton Jones is sidelined with a knee injury this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals (4-4), a crucial game for Chicago’s playoff hopes.
The Bears face a grueling 10-week stretch to close the season, with only one remaining matchup against a team below .500 — their Week 10 game against the Patriots at Soldier Field on November 10.
Bates is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, along with offensive linemen Teven Jenkins (knee) and Larry Borom (ankle), while rookie tackle Kiran Amegadjie is ruled out with a calf injury.
“Teven Jenkins was good today,” head coach Matt Eberflus said Friday. “He participated in most of the practice. He looks good out there, feels good, so we’re hopeful there.”
Bears Have Been Trying to Trade Nate Davis for Weeks
The timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse for Chicago, as the team has been actively trying to trade Nate Davis for weeks, even offering to cover part of his remaining $8 million salary to facilitate a deal.
“Chicago’s Nate Davis is available, and the Bears are prepared to cover some of his $8 million salary to facilitate,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on October 30.
Davis, who missed six games last season due to injury, also sat out much of the 2024 training camp due to injury concerns and undisclosed personal matters. The coaching staff has openly questioned his work ethic in practice, and the organization appears ready to part ways with him.
Still, a healthy veteran lineman like Davis could be more valuable than an inexperienced player dealing with injuries — potentially leaving Chicago with no choice but to keep him until the trade deadline passes in a few days.
