It’s trade rumor season, and veteran NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum has proposed a historic trade: Tyrique Stevenson, a cornerback for the Chicago Bears, for wide receiver Stefon Diggs of the Buffalo Bills.
The player-to-player trade was suggested by the former general manager of the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins on the February 20 episode of ESPN’s “Get Up.” He cited Chicago’s dearth of wide receiver depth as the main reason the Bears should make the move.
Stevenson was chosen by the Bears in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he had an outstanding first season the previous year. Stevenson started 16 games, forced two fumbles, intercepted 16 passes, and tied for the team lead in interceptions (4).
In 2024, Diggs will begin his tenth season in the NFL. After four seasons with the Bills, he recently concluded his career with 107 receptions for 1,183 yards (11.1 yards per catch) and eight touchdowns.
Bears considering trading CB Tyrique Stevenson for wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Mike Tannenbaum is suggesting the Bears trade Tyrique Stevenson to Buffalo for Stefon Diggs pic.twitter.com/VTUOI2ZJUb
— Clinton Cole (@cdcole55) February 20, 2024
Mike Tannenbaum is proposing that the Bears send Stefon Diggs to Buffalo in exchange for Tyrique Stevenson.
The Bears need wide receiver assistance, no question about it, but there’s almost no chance the organization would trade a young, talented defensive back for a 30-year-old wide receiver who is probably past his prime.
That’s not to minimize Diggs’ abilities; he’s not the best wide receiver in the NFL, but he’s still in the top half. The seasoned wide receiver has been named an All-Pro in two of the last four seasons and has over 100 receptions in five of those seasons.
However, it is unclear why Tannenbaum believes this proposed deal will be well-received by either team. Why would the Bills want to deal their best wide receiver, Josh Diggs, for another CB when they already have two capable cornerbacks in Rasul Douglas and Tre’Davious White?
Stevenson was selected by the Bears last year after they moved up in the draft, and they are grateful for his defensive contributions. Additionally, considering that the Bears are among the NFL’s 10 youngest teams, general manager Ryan Poles hasn’t shown a propensity to chase aging players in free agency.
The Bears’ Strength Entering the 2024 Season Is the Cornerback Position
With 22 INTs, the Bears and 49ers shared the league lead in interceptions.
Four Tyrique Stevenson
Edmund Tremaine – 4
Tyler Gordon – 2 and T.J. Edwards – 3
The Bears’ secondary was a major factor in why they were tied with the San Francisco 49ers for the league lead in interceptions (22).
The Bears have a ton of talent at cornerback with Stevenson, Jaylon Johnson, and Kyler Gordon, three young guys who are all 25 or younger. Johnson and Stevenson both had four of those selections. Last year, Gordon recorded two interceptions.
The Bears tied the 49ers for the league lead in INTs with 𝟐𝟐 🏈
Tyrique Stevenson – 𝟒
Jaylon Johnson -𝟒
Tremaine Edmunds – 𝟒
T.J. Edwards – 𝟑
Kyler Gordon – 𝟐 pic.twitter.com/TfSC01iHcp— Marquee Bears (@BearsMarquee) February 20, 2024
Gordon’s performance increased significantly in Year 2. Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers resulted in a fractured hand for him, but when he was on the field, he usually had an impact. He participated in 13 games, winning most of them at the slot machine (501 snaps).
After his first All-Pro season, Johnson is expected to be re-signed to a big contract extension or get franchised. Johnson had an outstanding 2023, earning PFF’s highest coverage grade of 91.0. With just 25 receptions on 50 targets, he gave up a pitiful 33.3 passer rating when targeted.
Since all three of the CBs have rising trajectories, Tannenbaum’s suggestions seem a little out of the ordinary.
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