Could the Chicago Bears Trade Matt Forte to...

As unrealistic as the idea sounds, the truth is the Chicago Bears might have serious trade bait in Matt Forte and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers like a strong backfield. Could the two teams find common ground for a deal?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers clearly won the free agency race in 2012, but Chicago was right behind them. While the Bucs nabbed Pro Bowl targets like Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks, the Bears traded for receiver Brandon Marshall and picked up running back Michael Bush. What makes their connections interesting is how the draft played out for both teams. While Chicago settled on getting more pass rushers and another big receiver for Jay Cutler, Tampa went after a safety and then surprisingly a running back in the first round. It's that player, Doug Martin out of Boise State, who made things interesting when Buccaneers coaches hinted the rookie would start over current top back LeGarrette Blount. What makes things interesting is Blount has a history of bad behavior in which he grows violent on the field, often throwing punches at teammates. If the battle with Martin for the starter spot were to get out of hand, it could happen again. So how could Tampa avoid a problem?

The reason Matt Forte makes sense in a deal for the Chicago Bears is where the Buccaneers show an uncommon strength. Not one or two but three of their offensive linemen are Pro Bowlers. Nicks was one in New OrlÃ©ans, while fellow guard Davin Joseph and tackle Donald Penn both hold the honor, too. With the pending headache of Blount on their hands, the Buccaneers may have interest in a deal that nets them a Pro Bowl running back and some high draft picks in exchange for the disgruntled runner and one of their veteran lineman. Chicago desperately needs help on the offensive line, and adding Penn or Joseph could help quarterback Jay Cutler thrive with his new weapons. Many experts think Chicago and Tampa Bay are in store for big years. However much depends on the success of two particular units: the Bears offensive line and Buccaneers running backs. Both teams could add valuable insurance in such a trade.

Any idea of a trade won't happen right away. The Chicago Bears want Matt Forte back, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seem satisfied with Doug Martin and LeGarrette Blount. Things change, though. If Tampa could afford to part with Davin Joseph, they might lure Matt Forte to Florida while sending away the Blount headache. Impossible? Wait and see.