Bears foolish if they dump Olsen

Explain how the Bears are better without Greg Olsen.

Or do something easier.

Explain how the human brain works. Or if you prefer, where the Taos Hum comes from.

Rumors have been rumbling for a week or so that Olsen has asked the Bears to trade him. It's no secret the tight end is concerned about the prospect of his role in the passing game being reduced significantly in Mike Martz's offense.

And many people think the Bears should trade Olsen because he doesn't fit the new coordinator's scheme as well as some (read blocking) tight ends do.

But the Bears aren't going to get better by trading one of their best players. No team is. Anyone who thinks a team can improve by getting rid of a rising star is thinking too much.

Is this overrating Olsen?

Well, Olsen is the most gifted tight end the Bears have had since Mike Ditka left town in 1966. And while Olsen has not been all that many hoped he would be, he is still a young player who has room to improve.

Of course, the Bears could get something in return for Olsen. Maybe a second-round draft pick. But would you rather have a second-round pick, knowing the hit rate on those is a little better than 50-50, or a player you already know can bring it?

Martz wants his tight ends to be blockers first. Olsen is a receiver first. But that doesn't mean he can't have value in a Martz offense.

It's true a tight end never has been a big producer under Martz. But Martz never has had a tight end like Olsen. When he coached Vernon Davis for the 49ers, Davis wasn't as far along as Olsen is. Davis just started finding his groove in 2009.

The best coaches are able to take talented players and find ways to get the most out of them regardless of the system. Martz is a very good coach, even a brilliant coach. I don't think he will dismiss Olsen's abilities as a receiver because of his shortcomings as a blocker. He needs to find a way to get Olsen's best.

And it shouldn't take Martz long to figure out the Bears offense will be most effective with Olsen taking a lot of snaps and catching a lot of balls.
Even if the Martz-Olsen marriage is destined to be a rocky one, it still doesn't make sense to trade Olsen now. There is a chance, some would say a good one, the Bears will have a completely new coaching staff next year.

And if they do, that new coaching staff — like most coaching staffs in the league — very well could be looking for a tight end who can do what Olsen can. The unfortunate reality of the NFL is schemes and coaches come and go. But core players like Olsen need to stay.

What Olsen really wants may not be more passes, but more love in another form. His contract is up after the 2011 season.

The Bears don't need to extend Olsen's deal just yet. They just need to keep him and throw him the ball.

Click here to order Greg Olsen's proCane Rookie Card.



(chicagotribune.com)