BEARS, PHINS EXCHANGE BACKUPS
The Chicago Bears acquired linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for tight end John Owens and a conditional draft pick.
What does it give the Chicago Bears
A Pro Bowl (alternate) special teamer to fill a big need at that
position. Ayanbadejo was excellent in that role last season and injuries
to special teams players Marcus Reese, Cam Worrell and Bobby Gray during
the pre-season necessitated the move. Ayanbadejo can fill in at
linebacker as well for the improving Bear defense, so this move fits
both a team need and the Bears' D-first philosophy these days. He loves
to tackle and will help keep the Bears pumped up and in good field
position.
What does it give the Miami Dolphins
A hard-nosed blocker who can fill in on running plays. Owens gives the
Dolphin offense more flexibility on a team filled with catch-first tight
ends. Randy McMichael will still get the bulk of the looks when the team
is looking to air it out or trying to ensure a possession, but Owens is
a steamroller in the run set. The draft pick is obviously an
acknowledgment that the Bears got the more valuable player, but Owens is
a very useful player in the right situations.
Fantasy impact
