Ryan Poles can’t afford to stand pat with the NFL trade deadline hours away, and it’s the ideal timing to make another swing
The NFL trade deadline is coming up at 4:00 ET on Tuesday and the Chicago Bears are sitting in the ideal position for general manager Ryan Poles to attempt another swing to capitalize on this season.
The NFL trades are already starting to pick up on Monday and it’s now or never for teams to act if they want to make a move. The NFL trade deadline is officially set for 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, so there’s still plenty of time to iron out another trade.
That’s exactly what Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles should be looking to do over the next few hours. At 7-2, the Bears are in a really great spot, but still in an ultra-competitive NFC North division.
Poles already made one massive swing in Jeffery Simmons, who’s already paid off in a massive way. That deal handcuffs the Bears a bit in regards to making another move, but the Bears shouldn’t get gun-shy now. This is the kind of window you need to capitalize on and it comes at an ideal time.
The Bears have finally reached the bye week and have an extended break before playing again on Nov. 22 against the New Orleans Saints. If there’s a perfect time to make a trade and onboard a new player, it’s now.
Cornerback as heavily been rumored as a target position for the Chicago Bears
The position to watch based on all of the reports from last week is cornerback. Something that shouldn’t change just because Jaylon Johnson made one good play. Johnson’s 67-yard pick-six on Sunday was a game-changing play for the Bears, but it doesn’t erase the struggles he had in the prior eight games.
Tyrique Stevenson also left Sunday’s game with a hand injury and that will be a situation to watch. Regardless if he’s out for an extended time or not, he’s still struggled as well.
It’s easy to see why the Bears have been sniffing around the cornerback market. The problem is, good cornerbacks aren’t made available often. The top name has been Riq Woolen, who’s clearly not a fit in Vic Fangio’s scheme and a trade will be even more likely now that the Philadelphia Eagles dropped to 2-7 entering their bye week. He’s my ideal target who would add some much-needed speed on the outside.
Another option is Nahshon Wright, who has basically requested a trade out of New York and the Jets should grant him that wish, or just out-right release him. The coaches refuse to play him on defense and he was a Pro Bowl alternate last year in Chicago. His boom-or-bust style of play was concerning, but for a depth option to have, he’s worth a look.
That’s just two names. I’m sure Poles will be calling around in an effort to turn over any stone possible that can help improve this team.
Another call to Los Angeles wouldn’t hurt
The Los Angeles Chargers remained firm on the fact that they wouldn’t be selling at 0-7. Does the conversation change now that the team is 0-8? It wouldn’t hurt to make that call again and see if general manager Joe Hortiz is finally ready to move on from Khalil Mack.
I get it. He’s a beloved player for that organization. But, the Chargers need to face the reality of their situation. Mack is on a one-year deal and there’s no guarantee he comes back after this season. Do right by the player and send him to a contender to finally get a chance to win a playoff game.
A reunion in Chicago would be incredible and send another jolt through this fanbase. He’s not the player he once was, but as a situational pass rusher on this defense, he could still be a game-changer in critical situations.
Could an offensive move be made?
I also wouldn’t rule this out, either. The Bears’ offense struggled on Sunday night against the Buccaneers and there’s two areas the Bears could address. The Bears already were involved in the Quenton Nelson trade, a sign the team considered another upgrade on the offensive line. If another situation pops up where the Bears could solidify all five positions, don’t rule it out.
The other spot is tight end. After losing Cole Kmet, a massive void opened up in Chicago’s offense. Sam Roush has done a solid job the last two weeks stepping up in that role as the TE2 with Stephen Carlson signing to the roster as the TE3. Again though, if Johnson deems it necessary to add an upgrade, I wouldn’t be surprised.
