NFL: 8 players who would benefit from a change in scenery

3. Willie Young (DE/LB, Chicago Bears)

With the Bears switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4, the team decided to take most of their high-end defensive line talent and awkwardly convert them to outside linebacker. This included Jared Allen, who was thankfully (for him) traded to the Carolina Panthers after the team’s 0-3 start, as well as Lamarr Houston (who is actually well suited to play 3-4 defensive end in passing situations) and the underrated standout from last year Willie Young.

Only newcomers Pernell McPhee and Sam Acho entered the defense intimately familiar with playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme; surprise, surprise – they are the two most successful edge rushers for the Bears this year. Willie Young, meanwhile, has been stuck deep down in the depth chart. He made a surprise appearance on an Alex Smith sack last week against the Chiefs, but otherwise he has not had the opportunity to contribute.

The Bears are showing an interest in ditching their older players, and this is particularly true for players that don’t fit the scheme and were added on as a part of previous regimes. Willie Young perfectly fits this description.

Possible but Not Probable Destination: Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons biggest problem remains their pass rush. They drafted Vic Beasley with the 8th pick to address that issue, and though he has shown flashes, he is playing alongside Tyson Jackson (who is more of a run stuffer/third down tackle) and Adrian Clayborn (who hasn’t been healthy or consistent his whole career).

This solution solves two problems: the Bears get value from a scheme-unfriendly player, while the Falcons get a potent rotation rusher for their humble pass defense. Meanwhile, Young returns to a 4-3 defense as a second or third rushing option, a situation where he thrived both in Detroit and in his one year in Chicago.

Next: 2. Anquan Boldin