The Chicago Bears face a major challenge this season. Despite their 4-2 record, the Bears sit in last place behind the Detroit Lions (5-1), Minnesota Vikings (5-1), and Green Bay Packers (5-2). If the Bears want a shot at making the playoffs, they must make a trade before the NFL Trade Deadline to bolster the roster. One intriguing option is Los Angeles Chargers former first-round pick, guard Zion Johnson, and if he’s available, the Bears should pursue a trade for him.
Bears Should Trade with Chargers for Zion Johnson
Zion Johnson’s Career Thus Far
The Chargers drafted Zion Johnson with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He has started at both guard positions and missed just two games in his three-year career. Johnson earned NFL All-Rookie honors in 2022, becoming a key piece of the Chargers’ offensive line. Known for his reliability, he’s been highly effective in the run game. In 2024, Johnson is one of only two Chargers to have played 100% of the team’s snaps, making him an attractive trade target.
Zion Johnson among guards this season:
77.0 run blocking grade (7th) pic.twitter.com/9WYDkmXB8u
— PFF LA Chargers (@PFF_Chargers) October 16, 2024
Situation Behind a Potential Trade
Given Zion Johnson’s impressive career so far, it might seem unlikely he’d be available for trade. However, there are two key reasons why that could change. First, the Chargers’ current standing at 3-2 jeopardizes their playoff chances, especially with a potential loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Second, Johnson’s contract situation adds to the equation. He’s still on his rookie deal and set to become a free agent after the 2025 season. With the Chargers needing to re-sign key players like Khalil Mack, Asante Samuel Jr., J.K. Dobbins, and Josh Palmer, they might consider trading Johnson now to acquire valuable draft picks.
The Bears Should Make a Trade for Zion Johnson
If the Chargers are open to trade offers for Zion Johnson, the Bears should be the first team to make the call. After this season, there will be serious discussions about whether the Bears should re-sign guard Teven Jenkins. When healthy, Jenkins has been the best offensive lineman on the team, but he hasn’t been able to stay on the field. Regardless, the Bears still have a spot open at guard, with the failed Nate Davis experiment at right guard. While some may argue that the team should wait until the draft to address the offensive line, Johnson is a proven NFL talent who can provide an immediate solution to the problem.
So, even if the Bears were to re-sign Jenkins, adding Johnson to the team would still be extremely beneficial. The Bears could move Jenkins to right guard, where he meshed well with right tackle Darnell Wright, and keep Johnson at his left guard spot. Johnson is only 25 years old and could be a foundational piece for the Bears on offense. With the necessary draft capital and cap space, the Bears are in a position to make the trade happen—if the Chargers are willing to part with Johnson.
Potential Trade Details
Chicago Bears Receive: Zion Johnson
Los Angeles Chargers Receive: 2025 Second-Round Pick, 2026 Sixth-Round Pick
Main Image: Charles LeClaire – USA Today Sports
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