The Chicago Bears never fear being active at the trade deadline. GM Ryan Poles will make a move if he smells an opportunity. His first attempt with Chase Claypool didn’t work out. However, the second for Montez Sweat was a massive home run. That success may encourage Poles to take another swing if the right player is available at the right price. SM reported recently that Chicago has two positions on their radar: pass rusher and interior offensive line. As of now, there are no prominent names expected to be available in the latter category.
Pass rushers, though, can often get shipped out for quick profits this time of year. See the Sweat trade for a reminder. After failing to acquire Matthew Judon before the season, Chicago opted to grab Darrell Taylor from Seattle for a 6th round pick. Could they look to aim higher this time? Mark Carman of CHGO has it on good authority that a prominent name may soon be available and at a surprising price.
Ryan Poles has to at least consider Travon Walker.
The former #1 overall pick has suffered from consistency issues to start his career. He isn’t the best run defender, for one. That said, his evolution as a pass rusher is impossible to deny. Since December 17th of last season, he now has 11 sacks in the past 11 games. His athleticism, length, and burst have made him a headache for offensive tackles to deal with. Putting him opposite Sweat feels like a great opportunity for the Bears to lock down that elusive #2 rusher.
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A few obstacles stand in Ryan Poles’ way. For one, it’s unclear if Jacksonville is eager to sell Walker. With their recent win in London, they sit at 2-5. Perhaps they feel hope remains for them to get back into the playoff picture. Besides, a 4th round pick feels low, especially with his rising sack total. Then there is the contract. Next season will be the last of Walker’s rookie deal. Even if the acquiring team utilized his 5th-year option, he is still about to get more expensive. Are the Bears ready to pay big money to two edge rushers?
Only Poles can answer that question. There is no doubt Walker would help either way.
Very good pass rusher, poor against the run, long and athletic, also very young. Could be a Poles type player. Does he love football? That’s Poles and Flus’s mantra, get guys that love football. And maybe Washington could get him playing with more consistency. If Justin gets more snaps in Pittsburgh, that could be the fourth round pick they trade, but I’m skeptical that the Jags would sell the #1 overall pick on the cheap. I do seem to remember that after taking Lawrence #1 overall, they were trying to trade out of the pick but couldn’t find a trade… Read more »
I was at the game today. Walker did put pressure on Maye a few times. I focused mostly on Cisco and Savage in the backfield, but Walker demonstrated his presence, for sure.