NFL Trade Machine: Dee Milliner To Chicago

By now even Chicago Bears fans have become well-informed on the big trade executed by the Philadelphia Eagles, sending Pro Bowl running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for linebacker Kiko Alonso. What does that mean for this edition of the NFL Trade Machine?

The basis of yesterday’s trade was simple enough.  Buffalo gets a proven back who can carry the load on offense.  Philadelphia clears up cap space and gets a young, high upside player who flashed Pro Bowl potential before tearing his ACL.  There is risk involved on both sides.

That must make one wonder.  Could the Bears pull off something similar with Matt Forte?  Like McCoy, he commands a healthy chunk of the salary cap at around $9.2 million.  As changes approach for the offense, including a running back-by-committee approach that may not suit Forte, the idea of moving him out gains traction.  However, at age 29 it’s unlikely a team will give up a draft pick in any deal.

So what about a similar player-for-player swap?  If such an idea were possible, there is one name out there that could conceivably make the deal work.

Enter Dee Milliner.

Indeed, the former 1st round pick of the New York Jets.  There is no denying that fans are about fed up with the Alabama product after two seasons marred by constant injury problems.  A new regime is in place and word is filtering through the team has plans to bring in corner help via free agency such as Darrelle Revis.

Thus, a trade becomes more enticing.

Why It Works For The Jets

Chris Ivory is their primary running back at present.  However, both his backups in Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell are free agents.  Also, while effective on the ground, Ivory isn’t much of a receiving threat out of the backfield and also has a history with injuries.  Forte would give them that receiving option and also a record of good health for most of his career.

As for his cap number, it would only be a one-year issue since his contract expires in 2016.  Besides, with over $50 million in cap space the Jets can afford it.

As to those who will harp on Forte turning 30-years old this season, keep in mind that Frank Gore ran for 1,128 yards in 2013 and 1,106 yards in 2014 at ages 30 and 31 respectively.

Despite the stigma of the age, there is no sign that Forte is about to slow down.

Why It Works For The Bears

First and foremost, Chicago gets an extra $8 million added to their cap room.  That would make life much easier for GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox as they remake the roster.  Don’t forget the issue of Dee Milliner coming to the team.

Nobody will be able to ignore the injury problem.  He’s coming off an Achilles tendon tear, which isn’t easy to return from at any position.  Still, the potential reward is impossible to miss.  Milliner has the build and talent of a 3-4 corner, the defense the Bears are currently installing.  He has size and enough speed to stick with receivers all over the field.

In his rookie year in 2013, he finished with 17 passes defended and three interceptions in just 12 starts.  The kid can play some serious football when he stays on the field.  The potential of him turning the corner in Chicago and pairing up with Kyle Fuller is worth the risk.