Bears Land Darrell Taylor in Trade with Seahawks, Closing Chapter on 2020 Draft
In a noteworthy move that closes a chapter for the Seattle Seahawks, the Chicago Bears have acquired pass rusher Darrell Taylor from Seattle. The deal, reported on August 23, 2024, sees Taylor heading to the Windy City in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick.
Taylor, a 27-year-old edge rusher, has made a significant impact since entering the NFL in 2020. Drafted by the Seahawks as a second-round pick, Taylor has accumulated 21.5 sacks over his career, with a standout performance in 2022 where he registered 9.5 sacks. His addition to the Bears comes as Chicago aims to bolster its pass rush, which struggled last season, ranking 31st in the league with just 30 sacks.
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The timing of this trade is notable. The Seahawks' decision to part ways with Taylor reflects a broader shift in their roster. Taylor was the last remaining player from Seattle's 2020 draft class, a class that has now been entirely cleared out as the team heads into the 2024 season. The significance of this move lies not just in Taylor's departure but in what it symbolizes for the Seahawks' draft history.
Seattle's 2020 draft class included several notable names, but as of now, none remain on the roster. The first-round pick, Jordyn Brooks, has moved on to the Miami Dolphins, while second-rounder Taylor is now with the Bears. Third-round pick Damien Lewis signed with the Carolina Panthers, and fourth-rounders Colby Parkinson and DeeJay Dallas are with the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals, respectively. Other players from that draft, such as Alton Robinson, Freddie Swain, and Stephen Sullivan, have either been waived or are no longer in the NFL.
While the 2020 draft class didn't pan out as hoped for Seattle, there’s a silver lining. The departures of these players have set Seattle up to receive compensatory draft picks, potentially adding value to their future drafts. Brooks and Lewis, in particular, are projected to net Seattle additional picks in the 2025 draft, helping to mitigate the losses.
For the Bears, acquiring Taylor is part of a larger strategy to enhance their defensive line. Chicago's general manager, Ryan Poles, has been proactive in addressing the team’s defensive needs. After missing out on Matt Judon earlier this offseason, Poles secured Taylor to join Montez Sweat, a midseason acquisition who led the Bears in sacks last year. This move reflects the Bears' commitment to improving a pass rush that was among the worst in the league last season.
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the trade signifies a fresh start for both Taylor and the Seahawks. Taylor will aim to make a significant impact with the Bears, while Seattle looks to rebuild and move forward with its new roster dynamics.
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