The Chicago Bears signed Nate Davis in free agency in 2023.
One of the team’s prized acquisitions of the cycle, Davis inked a three-year, $30 million contract which includes $17.5 million fully guaranteed. There is no guaranteed money on Davis’ contract after this season, though. He has also lost his starting right guard position twice.
Davis was first usurped by Ryan Bates before injury led the latter to injured reserve (he was designated to return today). Then, it was 2024 offseason depth signing Matt Pryor who overtook Davis for the starting gig.
Davis spoke with Clocker Sports about his new reality, trade rumors, and more.
Bears’ Nate Davis Speaks on Trade Rumors, Demotion & More
Nate Davis ‘Taking It One Day at a Time’
“Just taking it one day at a time. That’s the best I can give you,” Davis told Clocker Sports on Wednesday about how he is handling his move from a starting position to a reserve role. “Just be there for the guys who are playing. Just try to do this and that. Try to offer advice when I can.”
Because of his role change and contract situation, Davis’ name has come up in trade speculation along with teammates Dominique Robinson and Khalil Herbert.
Clocker Sports previously spoke to Herbert and Robinson. Davis spoke on it on Wednesday.
“That’s something I leave to my agent,” Davis said when asked about the report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that was published on October 23. “I’m just going to be focused on football. Just take it one day at a time.”
This time last season, Davis had missed two games and was set to miss two more. He had also lost a family member which led to his being away from the team during the 2023 preseason.
He told Clocker Sports at the time that he felt the support of the organization.
“Felt good being out there with my brothers. Sucks we couldn’t get the dub though,” Davis said after rejoining the starting lineup in October 2023. “But it was just cool to be out there playing football again. “I’m very appreciative and, honestly, lucky to have a team that supports me as much as they do. And not even just the team. The players, coaching staff, everybody. [I’m] honestly blessed.”
Asked on Wednesday if he still felt that way after all that has transpired in the past few weeks alone, Davis offered a very different answer without saying much.
“Next question,” Davis said.
Nate Davis Could Start for Bears in Week 9 vs Cardinals
The Bears could need Davis this week. Left tackle Braxton Jones was a DNP on the team’s estimated practice report. Ditto for rookie Kiran Amegadjie, who replaced Jones versus the Commanders after the latter suffered his injury.
If Jones is unable to go versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9, the Bears could move Pryor over to left tackle.
Davis could be right back in the starting lineup, especially with Bates not yet activated.
It would be a potential chance for redemption. It already is a potential reason why any decisions on Davis could be put off until the offseason. The Bears switched from their typical Wednesday practice session to a walkthrough because of concerns about their depth up front.
Moving on from Davis – who has started 67 of his 71 career games played – does not make much sense while the team is as banged up as it is along the offensive line.