The Chicago Bears may not have to wait until the 2025 offseason to part ways with Nate Davis, the $30 million guard who has become a disappointment. The team is reportedly receiving trade interest in Davis ahead of the fast-approaching NFL trade deadline on November 5.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Davis is one of the players generating significant trade interest. The 28-year-old right guard has started 67 games over six seasons, but the Bears benched him in Week 3 of this season and have since kept him out of the starting lineup. Rapoport described Davis as “a potential key depth piece for a team in need,” making him an attractive trade candidate.
CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani echoed Rapoport’s sentiment, naming Davis as the top guard trade candidate for the 2024 deadline due to his extensive starting experience.
Davis has been sitting on the Bears’ bench after inconsistent performances and injuries. When Chicago signed him to a three-year, $30 million deal in March 2023, they expected him to solidify their offensive line. However, his inconsistent play and tendency to avoid practice led to him being pushed out of the rotation. Before the Bears’ bye week, Davis was made a healthy scratch in favor of Bill Murray, further signaling his decline in status with the team.
With the Bears soon eligible to activate Lucas Patrick from the injured reserve list, Davis’ role could diminish further, making him more likely to be traded. Moving him before the deadline could save Chicago a significant amount of money, as his $8.75 million base salary is fully guaranteed for 2024, but would shift to the acquiring team in a trade. The Bears could also benefit from any draft capital they receive in return, likely a mid-to-late Day 3 selection.
For the Bears, trading Davis before the deadline seems like the best possible outcome, offering financial relief and the chance to get something in return for a player who is no longer a fit in their plans.
