In the lead-up to today’s trade deadline, the Bears have not been frequently mentioned as a strong candidate to make a major addition. That remains the case with hours to go, but it would not come as a surprise if a move of some kind were to be made.
Jay Glazer of Fox Sports predicts general manager Ryan Poles will be active today. He cautions a blockbuster acquisition is unlikely based on the asking price for stars (which is of course common at this time of year). Still, a more modest addition would be welcomed if it were to come along the defensive front in particular.
Chicago’s defensive line has been hit with injuries recently, including yesterday’s news that Dayo Odeyingbo suffered an Achilles tear in Week 9. As Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports notes, the Bears needed to address their D-line even before they lost Odeyingbo. With Odeyingbo – a key offseason acquisition – out of commission, the Bears “have been actively” seeking a pass rusher leading up to the deadline, veteran insider Jordan Schultz reports.
While the Ben Johnson-led Bears are off to a 5-3 start and in contention for their first playoff berth since 2020, they’ve succeeded despite ranking 26th in total defense and 29th in points per game allowed. They yielded a whopping 470 passing yards against Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco in a 47-42 shootout last Sunday. Chicago sacked the immobile Flacco three times, but with 17 on the season, only eight teams have taken down the opposing QB less than the Bears.
While it’s unclear which players the Bears are targeting, it’s worth noting that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was previously with the Saints, who have established themselves as sellers. Pass rushers Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson are among Saints who could move in the next couple of hours, perhaps to Chicago.
Whether Poles looks to New Orleans or elsewhere for aidd, he has typically been busy on deadline day. The fourth-year GM has both bought and sold ahead of the deadline during his time in Chicago. Poles is in position to buy this year, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him reel in defensive help.
Connor Byrne contributed to this post.