NFL Trade Rumors: Five deals the Chicago Bears should make by the Trade Deadline

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Shea McClellin to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second round pick

Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Shea McClellin (99) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Shea McClellin (99) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Phil Emery was questioned from several different directions about his decision to take Boise State standout Shea McClellin in the 2012 draft. Though a fast, instinctive athlete most didn’t see him having the strength or body mass to play defensive end in a 4-3 system.

His skill set showed much more potential as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Perhaps the time has come for Emery to admit his mistake because McClellin has lived up to all those shortcomings in the Bears defense.

The Pittsburgh Steelers make a ton of sense because they have second worst pass rush in the league with just eight sacks. McClellin is a much better fit for their 3-4 zone blitzing defense under Dick LeBeau. He’s only 24-years old and in the second year of a relatively cheap four-year rookie contract. Pittsburgh gets another young body to reload their all important linebacking corps while Chicago pockets an extra second round choice for the 2014 draft.