Tampa Bay acquired former first-round offensive lineman Gabe…
Tampa Bay acquired former first-round offensive lineman Gabe Carimi from Chicago for a 2014 sixth-round pick. Carimi started only two games at left guard for the Buccaneers, spent most of the season as a reserve and was waived the following February. Chicago used pick No. 183 on quarterback David Fales, who also produced little meaningful Bears value. Both teams moved on quickly, leaving the exchange in even-trade territory.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 2014 6th round pick (183rd overall, David Fales)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Gabe Carimi
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Chicago had moved on from Gabe Carimi as a core offensive-line piece only two years after drafting him in the first round. Tampa Bay saw a low-cost reclamation opportunity and sent a 2014 sixth-round choice to the Bears. Carimi was reunited with offensive-line coach Bob Bostad, who had coached him at Wisconsin.
What Each Side Received
Carimi competed for work at guard and tackle in Tampa Bay. He started two games at left guard but spent most of the 2013 season as a reserve. The Buccaneers waived him in February 2014. Chicago’s acquired sixth-round pick became quarterback David Fales at No. 183.
How the Return Aged
Fales remained a developmental quarterback and never became a significant Bears contributor. Carimi likewise did not become the turnaround project Tampa Bay hoped to uncover. He lasted one season with the Buccaneers before continuing his career elsewhere. The transaction therefore produced limited franchise-specific value on both sides.
Why the Margin Matters
Chicago deserves some credit for recovering draft capital from a former first-round pick whose role had deteriorated, while Tampa Bay paid only a sixth-rounder for a player with starting experience. Yet neither club converted that modest opportunity into a lasting starter or notable future asset. The outcomes are too similar to force a winner.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Tampa Bay and Chicago each receive a C. The Buccaneers got short-term line depth and two starts; the Bears got a sixth-round quarterback prospect. Both returns were real but minor, and neither side created enough durable value to separate from the other.