The trade deadline has passed. Once again, GM Ryan Poles made a move for the Chicago Bears. However, this time was more lowkey than years past. Despite having obvious needs across the roster, he opted to go with a bargain deal, acquiring former 1st round edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka from the Cleveland Browns. It wasn't the splash many fans wanted, but it gives the team some desperately needed depth at an injury-ravaged position. What we didn't know at the time was the Bears came incredibly close to pulling off a surprise.
According to insider Jordan Schultz, Chicago was in heavy pursuit of New York Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson. The former 1st round pick was excellent in 2023 with 7.5 sacks and 16 QB hits. However, a season-ending injury last year stalled his progress. With the Jets starting a firesale that saw them trade Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, most expected Johnson to go as well. The Bears felt he was a great fit for their defense. Unfortunately, there was an obstacle they couldn't overcome.
The Chicago Bears did the right thing.
Johnson is a fine player. He is not worth a 2nd round pick. Don't forget Poles gave that much to Washington for Montez Sweat in 2023. Sweat was in the midst of a Pro Bowl season. He has remained mostly healthy and productive since then, although not quite as dominant. Johnson has been none of those things. He doesn't have the production to back up that asking price, which begs the question of why New York refused to budge.
There is no question that the Chicago Bears did the right thing. Giving up a valuable 2nd round pick for a player of Johnson's capability would've been the height of madness. This roster is not at a point where they can casually throw away high draft picks for B-grade players. Tryon-Shoyinka might not be a flashy move, but he was cheap and can still provide depth. That is enough.
