Chicago Should Jump on Brown-Sims Swap
Published by Steve Pauley on March 27, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The rumored trade between the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks that would swap DE Alex Brown and G Rob Sims is so good for both sides that it almost makes too much sense.
After announcing that they’re desperate to move Brown, Chicago has put itself in a position where teams can simply wait for the veteran defensive end to be released rather than give up an asset in return.
In Seattle, former fourth round pick Sims seems to be an incompatible fit in the offense’s new zone blocking scheme. A restricted free agent, he was given an original round tender, despite starting 14 games at left guard and playing relatively well.
Actually, Sims played very well.
According to profootballfocus.com, which analyzes every snap by every player in the league, Sims was the eighth best guard in the NFL last season, and the second best pass blocker at his position.
Walterfootball.com rated Sims as the fifth best offensive guard available in free agency, ahead of more heralded players like Tennessee‘s Eugene Amano and New England‘s Stephen Neal.
It can be difficult to evaluate the impact that one player has on an offensive line, especially at guard, but this much is clear—at 26 years old, Rob Sims has the potential to become a very good player for many years to come.
If Chicago is truly intent on moving Brown, I can’t imagine a better return than Sims, and I can’t think of an available player who would fit as well on Chicago’s offensive line.
The best unrestricted free agent guards available are 33-year-old Bobbie Williams, who may retire, and 31-year-old Chester Pitts, who is likely to sign elsewhere.
The Bears could certainly address the position with their first pick in the draft (75th overall), but would that player have more impact than Sims, who has already proven that he can hold his own in the league and still has loads of potential?
Chicago needs a guard. Seattle needs a defensive end. Each team has a disposable player that the other team should covet. It’s almost too good to be true.
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