Bears can’t afford to ignore defensive concerns, and these 3 trade targets stand out as options to consider with the long break ahead
The Chicago Bears continued to show concerning signs on defense in Week 7 that could limit how far this team can go, unless the Bears bring in a difference-maker at the trade deadline.
The Chicago Bears came away with a close 30-24 win over the New England Patriots on Thursday night, improving to 5-2 in the process, and it’s clear this team is building toward something special.
The Bears have star talent throughout the roster, especially on offense, and the level of trust between the coaching staff and the players bodes well for this team having a deep run as the season continues.
However, the defensive concerns are beyond obvious right now for Dennis Allen’s unit and it’s something that will eventually limit how far this team can go in 2026. If the Bears really want to push for a Super Bowl, now is the time to make a move.
Chicago Bears’ defensive concerns cannot be ignored any further
Let me first start by saying that Allen’s scheme is an effective one. When it’s executed, we’re seeing a lot of success from this unit. That showed on Thursday early in the game when Allen was giving Drake Maye fits with the exotic blitzes and coverages he was throwing at the young quarterback.
However, Maye started to get comfortable and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels made the right adjustments for this offense to start clicking. Meanwhile, Allen had no choice but to keep throwing the same thing at Maye.
The Bears blitzed on 47 percent of Maye’s dropbacks. He finished the game 11/13 against the blitz with 180 yards, two touchdowns, and one critical interception. When he wasn’t blitzed, Maye still went 13/18 for 141 yards.
It got to the point where it didn’t matter what Allen did, Maye was still staying comfortable and finding his guys. The problem is that when Allen blitzes, you better hope the blitz hits home. When it didn’t, Maye was able to avoid the pressure and the secondary fell apart. When Allen didn’t blitz, the front-four couldn’t create consistent pressure against an offensive line that was starting two backups. That’s a problem.
The question Allen has to answer for over this long break is which problem is more concerning? The talent level and depth at cornerback (Jaylon Johnson is washed, Tyrique Stevenson is inconsistent, and now rookie Malik Muhammad II is hurt). Or the talent level on the defensive line?
3 options the Bears could consider exploring to fix the defensive issues
After Thursday’s game, it’s gotten to the point where the Bears have to figure something out. They can’t keep ignoring this issue and hoping it magically turns around later in the season (even when Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, and hopefully Coby Bryant return).
At 5-2, with a long break until the next game, this is the time to strike a deal to bring in a difference-maker on defense, either up-front or at cornerback. And here are the three options that make the most sense to look into.
Khalil Mack is still at the top of my wish list. The Los Angeles Chargers are now 0-6 and on their bye week. Now the time to strike. It’s not going to be an expensive trade and Mack would easily be this team’s top edge rusher. He has familiarity playing under Dennis Allen and has unfinished business in Chicago. Stop dragging feet with this.
If not Mack, the Bears need to go after an interior defensive lineman. And no, Jeffery Simmons is not the answer. If I were Ryan Poles, I would call the Indianapolis Colts and see what the cost would be for DeForest Buckner (who is clearly disgruntled) or even Grover Stewart. But, Buckner would be the best option if the price is right.
As for a cornerback, the Bears kicked the tires on Alontae Taylor last year at the trade deadline, but he’s better suited in the slot than outside. The Tennessee Titans figured that out and recently benched him despite his high price tag. With Kyler Gordon back, I’d avoid that situation entirely. One name to watch, however, is Riq Woolen with the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s a player many wanted the Bears to go after in free agency and with Jalen Hurts out for the year, there’s no point in him spending the rest of his one-year deal with a team that’s not going to contend.
