NFL Network: Bears' Briggs, 31st Pick for Skins' 6th Pick?

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

SC,

It's not just the trade values that people are concerned with (and I think that there are reasons to be concerned), it is also the fact that the D-line is our biggest area of need, but Briggs doesn't play DE or DT.

On a related note, I think people are concerned that a great DT/DE is worth more than a great OLB to any defense. Granted, Briggs is a proven OLB whereas draft prospects are not, but Briggs might look a little better in Chi-town than he would in D.C. given the talent he is surrounded by in Chicago. So, scheme issues aside, how good will Briggs be (or appear) on a team with less talented company? Who knows.

I think people are also concerned about Briggs' contract demands. Briggs is likely seeking more than $15M in guaranteed money on a deal averaging about $6-$7M per year. Vernon Davis, last year's 6th overall pick, got a 5 year $23M deal, so we're probably looking at a 5 year deal worth no more $30M this year for a DT/DE (who, in FA, are a lot pricier than DTs/DEs).

Finally, I think people are miffed because they expected us to trade down from the 6th pick to acquire a 2nd or 3rd rounder. By trading for Briggs, we obviously lose out on such a swap (assuming it would have been available).