Chicago Bears fans have kept an eye on the trade market for the past few weeks. They know GM Ryan Poles has a history of making noteworthy moves this time of year. If he senses an opportunity, he'll take it. There is no question that there could be a number of teams ready to sell off some of their key players by the November 4th deadline. It depends on who the key names are and whether any of them fit what the Bears need. By the look of things, this could be a great market for pass rushers.
That fits Chicago perfectly, given their struggles with their front four to sack the quarterback. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN believes there is a name out there who fits what the Bears would want.
Jermaine Johnson, Edge, New York Jets
The buzz: The Jets are not desperate to trade Johnson; good edge rushers are hard to find, and his $13.4 million salary for 2026 (a fifth-year option) is reasonable. But my sense after asking around is that New York would be more willing to part with Johnson than Will McDonald IV if it made any move at the position. Macdonald is in the third year of his rookie deal, whereas Johnson is in his fourth. And Johnson has garnered a bit of interest thus far.
Predicted chance of getting traded: 35%
Team fits: Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears
Johnson looked like a budding star in 2023, collecting 7.5 sacks and 16 QB hits while making his first Pro Bowl. Unfortunately, injuries ended his 2024 season after just two games. He finally returned four weeks ago. After a slow start in the first two games, he seems to have found some juice with a sack and two QB hits in the last two.
The Chicago Bears would control Johnson through 2026.
New York exercised its 5th-year option, which will cost around $13 million next year. Finding the money for that shouldn't be too difficult for the Chicago Bears. Everything depends on whether they believe a trade is worth it. Johnson could absolutely impact games when he was healthy, but he hasn't been that for over a year. It is uncertain whether he'll rediscover his old form. If the Bears can get that version of him, he'd be an immediate boost to their pass rush, easing the burden on Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo.
It all depends on what the Jets want for him. The likely asking price will be a day two pick. Chicago should not go above a 4th, considering the contract and injury concerns. New York needs to rebuild. Stockpiling picks feels like their only course from here. Moving Johnson would enable them to free up money to pay Will McDonald. Chicago would no longer have to depend on Austin Booker finally giving the rush some help.
