Could the Chicago Bears Shake Up the Trade Deadline? As the clock ticks down to today’s NFL trade deadline, the Chicago Bears haven’t exactly been the talk of the town when it comes to blockbuster moves. But here’s where it gets interesting: despite the relative quiet, there’s a growing buzz that general manager Ryan Poles might just have something up his sleeve. And this is the part most people miss: while a major splash is unlikely due to sky-high asking prices for top-tier talent, a strategic, modest addition—especially along the defensive front—could be in the cards.
Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer predicts Poles will be active today, though he tempers expectations by noting that a superstar acquisition is improbable. Still, with Chicago’s defensive line reeling from injuries—most notably Dayo Odeyingbo’s season-ending Achilles tear in Week 9—the Bears are in dire need of reinforcements. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones points out that even before Odeyingbo’s injury, the D-line was a concern. Now, veteran insider Jordan Schultz reports the team has been actively hunting for a pass rusher to bolster their struggling defense.
Here’s the kicker: the Bears are off to a promising 5-3 start under head coach Ben Johnson, putting them in playoff contention for the first time since 2020. But their success has come despite glaring defensive weaknesses. Ranked 26th in total defense and 29th in points allowed per game, they’ve been gashed through the air, including a jaw-dropping 470 passing yards allowed to Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco last Sunday. While they managed three sacks in that game, their season total of 17 ranks them among the league’s least effective pass-rushing units.
So, who might the Bears target? One intriguing possibility lies in Poles’ connection to his former team, the New Orleans Saints. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, a Saints alum, could play a key role in bringing in familiar talent. Saints pass rushers like Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson are reportedly on the trade block, and their addition could provide the immediate impact Chicago desperately needs.
But here’s where it gets controversial: would acquiring a veteran like Jordan or Granderson be enough to transform the Bears’ defense, or are they simply patching a deeper systemic issue? And should Poles prioritize short-term gains over long-term roster building? These questions are sure to spark debate among fans and analysts alike.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: Ryan Poles has a history of being active on deadline day, both buying and selling during his tenure in Chicago. With the Bears in a position to buy this year, don’t be surprised if they make a move to shore up their defense. The question is: will it be enough to keep their playoff dreams alive?
What do you think? Are the Bears making the right moves, or should they hold off until the offseason? Let us know in the comments below!
