Bears’ $30 Million Starter Breaks Silence on Benching, Trade Rumors
The Chicago Bears could be both buyers and sellers ahead of the NFL’s November 5 trade deadline, as the team has benched a former starter who may be on his way out of the Windy City.
Offensive lineman Nate Davis, who inked a three-year deal worth $30 million to come to Chicago ahead of the 2023 campaign, has found himself sidelined twice this season in favor of formerly backup options Ryan Bates and Matt Pryor.
Davis took the job back from Bates following an injury to the latter and spoke to media members on Thursday, October 31, about how he’s dealing with his second benching of 2024.
“Just taking it one day at a time. That’s the best I can give you,” Davis said, per 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 team expects Bates back from a shoulder injury soon, which will make it easer for Chicago to part with Davis via a trade from a depth perspective on an offensive line that has been shaky this season — particularly with regards to protecting rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
However, a recent rash of injuries to the unit could complicate the Bears’ plans to move on from Davis. Starting left tackle Braxton Jones is out with a knee injury this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals (4-4) in a game Chicago realistically has to win to keep its currently viable playoff hopes afloat.
The Bears face the league’s toughest schedule down the final 10-week stretch of the year with just one game against a currently sub .500 team remaining in 2024 — their Week 10 matchup against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on November 10.
