After what happened in Detroit, the Chicago Bears were clear sellers for the upcoming trade deadline. They'd have to sell off any veterans with hefty contracts they could. In the space of a month, things have changed. Chicago has won four in a row. Their position in the NFC has improved enough that they look like playoff contenders. Does this change the perspective of the trade deadline for GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson? Insiders haven't offered much intel on that front. The Bears are rarely mentioned as possible buyers.
Thankfully, Jeff Hughes of Sports Mockery provided an update on what is happening. Based on what he's heard, the silence has nothing to do with a lack of interest. Chicago would love to make an aggressive move. The problem is an all-too-common one.
Wanting to make a move is only part of the equation in trades. The Bears also need a team that is open to selling. They must have a player the Bears like, and most importantly, the price tag to get him can't be outrageous. It sounds like that last part is the problem.
The Chicago Bears aren't going to overpay.
Poles seems to have learned his lesson from a few years ago. He famously flipped a 2nd round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver Chase Claypool. That was a disaster. He did next to nothing for the Chicago Bears, was traded away after one year, and is no longer in the league. That fiasco seems to have taught Poles to be more careful about who they pursue and how much they're willing to pay.
There is no question the Bears need help. Outside of Montez Sweat, edge rusher remains a problem, and cornerback is also becoming a concern as injuries mount. There are names out there who could be helpful, like Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Jermaine Johnson, and Tariq Woolen. However, it sounds like the asking prices for all of them are too high. Either that or those respective teams are reluctant to sell.
Until that changes, the Bears won't take a swing. Perhaps there will be a shift once the November 4th deadline gets closer.
