Bears edge defender Willie Young is on the trade block, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). It’s not clear whether teams are calling Chicago about Young, or whether the Bears are shopping him, but perhaps it’s some combination of the two.
Young, who will turn 30 later this month, had a career year in 2014, his first with the Bears. After arriving in Chicago following four seasons with the Lions, Young racked up 10 sacks, recording 40 tackles and forcing a fumble as well.
However, Young’s season ended with a torn Achilles in December, an injury that isn’t easy to come back from. While the veteran pass rusher avoided the PUP list this summer, he’s had some trouble adjusting to the Bears’ 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Young is lining up as an outside linebacker, rather than a defensive end, in the new look.
The Saints “may be looking in [the] direction” of Young, according to Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune (via Twitter). The Saints, of course, lost their top pass rusher when they cut Junior Galette.
He’s worth a 4th rounder but bears will part with a 5th and 7th.