Pace Shows Much Needed Leadership in Trade of Marshall

It’s not often a general manager trades his most talented player and is universally lauded for it. That’s the position Bears GM Ryan Pace has put himself in. Brandon Marshall entered Chicago with a bang and is leaving for the New York Jets with a whimper. And he has nobody to blame but himself for yet another move.

Marshall is arguably the most talent wide receiver to wear the Bears navy blue and burnt orange. He was brought in at the request of quarterback Jay Cutler with full knowledge that he suffers mental problems with a long history of violent and narcissistic tendencies. During his first season with the Bears under Lovie Smith, Marshall seemed to have his problems under control. A vocal advocate for mental health, Marshall was willing to tell his story and flaunt his personal changes. But with a change in leadership under Marc Trestman, came a lack of accountability with Marshall and the rest of the Bears roster.

The Bears were not pleased that Marshall decided to fly to New York on a weekly basis to do an NFL show, but they didn’t tell him no. They allowed Marshall to hold a long, convoluted press conference detailing his history of domestic violence. They laughed it off when he challenged a twitter follower to a boxing match. And despite being the player that made the most noise in a loud and dysfunctional clubhouse, it was Marshall that entered the locker room with t-shirts that read “No Noise”, and passed them out to his quieter and more focused teammates.

In just three seasons Marshall ranks 8^th all-time in Chicago Bears history in receptions (3^rd among full-time WRs behind Marty Booker and Curtis Conway), 11^th in receiving yards (5^th among full-time WRs) and 7^th in receiving TDs (3^rd among full-time WRs). By trading Marshall, they are moving the first legit number one receiver the team has had in generations. They are moving a guy that could overtake those leaderboards in a few seasons. They are trading the most talented player on the 53 man roster.

The move will give the Bears some extra financial breathing room to target free agents. There is an obvious need to rebuild the defense in new coordinator Vic Fangio’s image. But make no mistake; this trade is not about the football or the money. This move is all about silencing the noise that became such a distraction under Trestman.

Pace will now focusing on finding a replacement for Marshall. That is likely not going to come with Marshall’s production. And the numbers he was able to put up are something the Bears could badly use. But that doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is that Pace is fulfilling his promise to construct a roster where the best players are the best leaders. Saying goodbye to Lance Briggs and Brandon Marshall is a pivotal first step in achieving that vision. And are choices that likely leaves quarterback Jay Cutler looking over his under-burdened shoulder. Pace made the difficult football decision, instead choosing to do what is right, ridding the organization of a deal the Bears made with the devil. 

A number of questions remain. Is Alshon Jeffery capable of being a number one receiver? Will the Bears fill the void by addressing wide receiver with a high draft pick or will it be the trade route or a free agent signing? But one thing is clear. The Bears have a new man in charge and he is flexing his muscles and showing the leadership off the field that the franchise lacked so badly on it over the last two seasons.