Bears down to one logical trade swing after watching by as two NFC contenders strike deals to add Pro Bowl-caliber players
The Chicago Bears were linked to both of the Indianapolis Colts’ blockbuster deals that were made today and came away empty-handed, leaving general manager Ryan Poles one big swing left as the NFC turns into an arms race.
The NFL trade deadline is heating up, and the Chicago Bears just watched two massive deals go down without them. The Indianapolis Colts traded All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks, then followed it up by sending Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
That’s two NFC West teams making splash trades with Indianapolis. To make things worse, Chicago’s name surfaced in connection with both the Nelson and Buckner trades, but neither player ended up with the Bears.
That stands out after several NFL insiders spent the last few days saying the Bears were expected to be one of the aggressive teams ahead of the deadline. Two big names are now off the board, and Chicago has landed neither one.
It’s time for the Chicago Bears to go all in on Khalil Mack
The Bears still have one big move left on the table: Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack. I’ve been saying it all along. Mack is the logical move for this team, and Ryan Poles needs to get it done now.
Look at what’s happening around the conference. The Green Bay Packers are about to get Micah Parsons back. The Seahawks just added another Pro Bowler to a reigning Super Bowl roster. The 49ers added a stout defender to their defensive line in Buckner, and the 5-1 squad is about to get Nick Bosa back as well. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings sit atop the NFL at a perfect 6-0.
This is Chicago’s opportunity. At 5-2, the Bears need to stay aggressive to sustain this success and contend for a Super Bowl, because the NFC is as competitive as ever.
Mack is the guy the Bears need to be going all in for now. But, it still takes two to tango. This is the latest intel ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared on The Pat McAfee Show earlier on Tuesday when it comes to Khalil Mack and the Los Angeles Chargers.
“Let me be very clear, they have been adamant that they are not trading him,” Schefter said. “They love him. Like, he is one of their favorite players that has passed through there in terms of a leader. But, if you are not winning, and his contract is up after the year, why would you not take back a draft pick midway through the year for the guy?”
I understand Los Angeles’ hesitation. Mack is a future Hall of Famer, and he’s the kind of player you ideally keep for the rest of his career. However, the Chargers are 0-6. You’re not winning games or contending for the playoffs from that spot, and Mack is an obvious trade candidate. Get what you can for him and do right by the player.
The Bears need to be the team that pounces, because they’re running out of chances to be aggressive. NFL insider Jordan Schultz said rival teams believe Chicago will be the one to make this move. Now the Bears just need to go out and actually get it done this time.
The price makes sense for Chicago
The A to Z Sports trade simulator projects that Mack would cost the Bears a fifth-round pick in what would be considered a fair deal. With Buckner going for a fourth-round pick, that valuation still holds up. Mack is the older player, and both players were on expiring contracts.
I honestly think it’s easier for Chicago to absorb Mack’s contract than it would have been to take on Buckner’s. Mack is also more of a fit for what the Bears need on the defensive line. The interior is fine, especially once Dayo Odeyingbo comes back, compared to what Chicago has off the edge.
Montez Sweat is returning after serving his two-game suspension, and he spoke to the media today for the first time since. That will bring a boost. Still, even with Sweat on the field, the Bears struggled to find consistency off the edge between Sweat and Austin Booker. This defense needs a game wrecker, and that’s exactly what Mack can be.
Time is running out. Poles can’t sit on his hands while the rest of the NFC continues this nuclear arms race. Get involved and go get your nuclear weapon. A fifth-round pick for a player who can take over games is a deal you need to make.
Mack also knows the scheme after playing with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen before. Bringing him back to Chicago for one last ride and a Super Bowl run would mean a lot, especially after how things ended during his first stint with the Bears. Chicago owes it to him to give him one last chance at a title. And he can get this team there.
