NFL Network inside Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins remains a player very much on the trade block, suggesting a trade was 'certainly possible' for the former 2021 second-round pick.
This came as a bit of a surprise for Bears fans who've watched Jenkins' remarkable ascent from missing in action at training camp to a starter at right guard. In fact, an argument can be made that Jenkins has been Chicago's best offensive lineman over the last two preseason games, which would make trading him a bizarre turn of events.
The Bears aren't overflowing with high-end starting talent along their offensive line. If general manager Ryan Poles decides to trade Jenkins, veteran Michael Schofield would likely be the starter at right guard. Chicago could certainly do worse than Schofield, but Jenkins has the most long-term upside of any of the Bears' young offensive linemen.
From NFL Now: Looking at some possible trade candidates, focusing on #Bears OL Teven Jenkins and #Raiders OL Alex Leatherwood. pic.twitter.com/Pxz7csBveB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2022
Rapoport's trade speculation doesn't seem to have made its way to Halas Hall, though. At least, not yet. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy met with the media Monday and praised Jenkins' preseason performance. He sounded a lot like a coach who likes his starting right guard.
Bears OC Luke Getsy on Teven Jenkins: "I thought Teven’s done a great job of accepting that challenge of right guard. ... the guard position has more on his plate than the tackle position. For him to be able to go in and execute at a high level was really good."
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) August 29, 2022
Is this coach speak intended to fluff Jenkins' trade value? Getsy doesn't come across as a guy who'd play those games. It certainly seems like Jenkins has re-established himself as a critical piece up front.
The Bears have to cut their roster to 53 players by 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, August 30. While a Teven Jenkins trade remains unlikely, anything is possible between now and the deadline.