Buzz had been growing for the past 24 hours that the Chicago Bears were searching the trade market for pass rush help. It wasn't clear what level GM Ryan Poles would go to, but the team needs help. Three of their edge rushers are injured, with two on IR. The sheer lack of bodies has grown alarming. Something had to be done. At last, Poles made his move. The Bears flipped their 6th round pick in 2026 to the Cleveland Browns for Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and a 7th round pick.
The 26-year-old was the last pick of the 1st round in 2021 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While he was a solid player through those first three seasons (13 sacks), he never developed into a star. After a tough 2024 season, he was allowed to leave in free agency. Shoyinka signed with the Browns, but they haven't used him much this season. He has 14 pass rush snaps. No doubt the Bears can offer him an opportunity to play and didn't have to give up much in exchange. It's a low-risk, high-reward proposition.
The Chicago Bears faced a tough situation.
Everybody wanted them to swing big for a true difference-maker. Unfortunately, they don't have the cap space to take on a big contract and don't have the extra draft capital to go after a top younger name. Poles has made it pretty clear he won't target those types of players unless he can extend them. The Chicago Bears aren't in a position right now to do that, especially on the defensive line with Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Grady Jarrett carrying large contracts.
Shoyinka was a one-year wonder at Washington, collecting eight sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss. He was noted for having good physical tools, including a 6'5", 260 lbs frame. It always felt like he played out of position in Tampa Bay's 3-4 scheme. So when he finally joined a defense in Cleveland that ran a 4-3, they didn't give him a chance to play. Most experts considered him a project when he was drafted. Now he falls under the guidance of Dennis Allen, who is no stranger to situations like this.
If the Bears can get him close to his 2023 form (5 sacks and 30+ pressures), they should be fine.
