Bears lose Jeffery, gain Hightower

by Chris Bearman

Blogger, Chicago Tribune

In life, it is said that to get something good, you sometimes have to give up something good. That is the case with the latest Bears' trade, dealing away young phenom wide receiver Alshon Jeffery to the New England Patriots for stud linebacker Dont'a Hightower.

Jeffery, 28, led the team in receptions this past year with 75. He tallied up 958 yards and 4 touchdowns on the year playing mostly second fiddle to Kevin White. With this trade, Jeffery again becomes the focal point of a passing attack anchored by young sensation Jamaal Neal at quarterback for New England.

For the Bears' side, Hightower was not the team's first choice. However, when Jamie Collins refused to talk contract extension with the Patriots, coach Bob Winuvas had to "settle" - sort of.

"It's like comparing a Ferrari and a Lambourghini. Either way - you've got a hell of a vehicle," Coach Winuvas mused.

Hightower brings a physical presence in both the run game and pass game, and while not as agile as Collins, has more than enough athleticism to succeed at a 4-3 outside linebacker spot. Even better - with his skills in pass rush he can be asked to go after the quarterback or drop back with equal skill. Last year he amassed 41 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions.

"Dont'a (Hightower) has proven in the GFML he can get it done. He can cover, he can rush, he can play the run. Hightower is a man among men, and he is a welcome addition to this Chicago defense," Coach Winuvas said. "This offseason I wanted winners. I wanted talent. I think we have done as well as we can in getting that talent with what pieces we had from last year."

With Hightower, the team has added supreme talent to three levels of the defense - linebackers (Hightower and Manti T'eo), defensive line (Leonard Williams), and cornerback (Joe Haden). Can the coach/general manager work some free agency magic to round out a potentially powerful turnaround in Chicago?