The Chicago Bears haven’t been shy about making moves at the trade deadline over the past two years. They acquired Chase Claypool in 2022 and Montez Sweat in 2023. Now, with the team 4-2 to start the season, it feels like GM Ryan Poles might see this as an opportunity to give his team one final push toward the playoffs. After all, with the division as loaded as it is, they need all the help they can get. The big question people have is which position the Bears may target if they do make a move.
Initial projections have it being another pass rusher to pair with Sweat or a guard/center to help shore up their questionable interior offensive line. The challenge with those two spots is that good players are rare to be available at either of them. Sweat was a stroke of luck last season. The odds of somebody of his caliber being out there again are remote. Teams also don’t tend to unload quality blockers during a season. However, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune sees one spot the Bears could ID some help.
If there’s one position the Bears might look for a player it’s defensive tackle. I’m not suggesting this is likely by any stretch, but if you evaluate where things are, the run defense hadn’t been great until limiting the Jacksonville Jaguars to 68 yards on 20 rushes Sunday in London. That helped in the rankings, where the Bears now are 10th in rushing yards allowed per game (112) and 18th in yards allowed per carry (4.6).
Maybe if a run stuffer is available for cheap, the Bears might consider it.
The Chicago Bears targeting DT help makes plenty of sense.
Don’t forget that this team still has five opponents who rank in the top seven in rushing yards per game this season. That includes Green Bay and Detroit. If the Bears want any hope of beating them, they have to do everything possible to slow down the run. The good news is finding such types of defensive tackles is easier than interior pass rushers. It comes down to finding the right situation where a team is ready to move on. Here are a few names with respectable reputations for run-plugging that might be available.
- Shelby Harris (Browns)
- Kobie Turner (Raiders)
- A’Shawn Robinson (Panthers)
- Da’Shawn Hand (Dolphins)
- Davon Godchaux (Patriots)
All of those teams are in rough shape at the moment, with almost no chance of making a playoff push. Some are already in a position to pursue the #1 pick next year. One would think their front offices are open to dealing certain players for draft capital. The Chicago Bears can probably land one of them for a modest Day 3 pick, shoring up the middle of the defensive line for what will be a challenging stretch run.
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The Pats extended Godchaux through the ’26 season about 2 months ago, writer. Way to bring your “A” game…
I think most of erik lambert’s ”insiders, when revealed, are named erik lambert.
I agree with @David, Nate Davis is below Bill Murray on the depth chart, and possibly below some practice squad players. The only way he sees the field is if the Bears are down to three healthy IOL players, and he’s one of them. @Veece: I don’t think the Bears need to replace Allen (if he walks in FA, as is likely) with a top flight WR. DJ and Rome are great for the top of the depth chart. A player like Mooney would be good as a third, and maybe Scott can step up in year 3 and earn… Read more »
Bears will end up having more than $70M next year. Nate Davis isn’t going to be back so that’s an additional $10M right there because he has no more guarantees left, but still under contract and counting against the books until he’s released. The guy didn’t even dress in London and that was the Team’s decision. He was a healthy scratch. He’s done.
Poles should not give up the Bears 1st round pick and more for Burns, Crosby or Garrett. Yes, they’re great DEs but going all-in on one of them means missing out on improving the OL again. However, Poles could drive up the price so Detroit overpays to get one of them! Looking ahead, IF Keenan leaves in FA, the Bears may be able to draft Ohio St WR Egbuka or a top Edge with 1st Round selection, then add a top OG and center from Georgia, Alabama or Ohio State in the 2nd Round. The 2025 Draft could give us… Read more »