The Chicago Bears went for the home run this past week when they traded two 1st round picks to the Tennessee Titans for star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. It is the infusion of star-level talent that defensive line has desperately needed. Suddenly, a team weakness could transform into a strength if Simmons has the impact on Montez Sweat and Austin Booker that he’s had on less talented teammates. One would think general manager Ryan Poles is probably done with the trade deadline. Nobody would blame him.
However, it might not be over yet, at least not according to Ian Rapoport. The ESPN insider revealed on The Pat McAfee Show that the Bears are still looking at edge rushers ahead of the deadline despite the Simmons move.
While considering another trade is a surprise, the search for edge rush help is not. Sweat missed two games with a suspension, and Dayo Odeyingbo is still out with a quad injury. Having another quality body in the mix would protect against further setbacks. The obvious question is how much the Bears are willing to pay.
Ryan Poles stated that he has no intention of throwing away draft picks.
If we take him at his word, it’s pretty clear that he is looking for a creative way to find edge rush help without giving up a straight pick for one. In such situations, there are two methods. Either the teams exchange players they like that are deemed of equal value. Or they do a pick swap. The team acquiring said player gives up a higher pick in exchange for the player and a later pick. This way, the Bears would still have the same number of picks. They’d just end up sacrificing position in one of the rounds.
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
Thinking about it this way, is there a possibility they can pull off such a deal for Khalil Mack? Most believe the Los Angeles Chargers might seek a 5th round pick for the longtime edge rusher. Perhaps the Bears can get it down to where they get a 5th round pick for Mack and a 6th. As things stand, the Chargers remain stubborn about not trading anybody despite their 0-6 record. Maybe that changes after this weekend. Outside of that, are there any other names Ryan Poles could try this strategy with?
Carl Granderson might be worth watching.
The New Orleans Saints are 2-5 and fading fast after a strong start. One more loss could put them in selling mode. While Chase Young is unlikely to become available given his younger age and value, the same can’t be said for Granderson. He turns 30 years old in December and has one year left on his deal after this season. Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen knows him well from their time together in New Orleans. Granderson already has 5.5 sacks this season. A reunion could be mutually beneficial.
Barring that, Poles could just look to add some depth behind the guys they already have. That would require nothing more than a late-round pick swap. There are still 10 days left before the deadline. A lot can happen between now and then. If the Bears see Simmons and the defensive line dominate in Seattle, they may decide what the team has is enough.
