In trading linebacker Jared Allen to the Panthers, the Bears said the move would allow linebacker Willie Young to get more reps. Young, however, doesn’t want them.
Per a source close to the team, Young asked to be traded in the wake of the Allen deal.
Young, like Allen, prefers playing defensive end in the 4-3 to playing linebacker in the 3-4. Last year as a defensive end in the 4-3, Young had 10 sacks before tearing an Achilles tendon. In three games this year (he didn’t play in Week Three at Seattle), Young has no sacks.
The Bears officially aren’t having a fire sale, but they’ll reportedly listen to anyone who makes an offer. If the Bears believes as Young does that he doesn’t fit in the defense, the Bears should be willing to move on from Young, if they get a decent offer.
Young signed a three-year, $9 million deal before the 2014 season. He has a base salary of $2.45 million this year and next year.