The Chicago Bears have been active at the trade deadline every year since Ryan Poles took over as GM. There is no reason to think that will change this season, especially with the team in a good position for a playoff run. It is a matter of whether the right player is available at the right price. Chase Claypool taught Poles some key lessons about how to approach such acquisitions, which led to the highly profitable deal for Montez Sweat a year later. With two 2nd round picks next year, there is no reason to think this team won't be aggressive.
However, it sounds like the pendulum could swing both ways this time. There has been a growing buzz that Chicago could also be sellers at the deadline, hoping to unload certain players for extra draft capital next off-season. Multiple insiders revealed names like running back Khalil Herbert, guard Nate Davis, and defensive end Dominique Robinson are names to watch leading up to November 5th. However, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN dropped another notable one, which is gaining traction.
Offensive tackle Larry Borom.
The Bears were adding at the trade deadline during the early stages of the Ryan Poles-Matt Eberflus regime, but they are now in a position to deal away extras. They have built up good depth at several positions, and those who aren't in the rotation could be on the move. Guard Nate Davis was benched in Week 3 and inactive in Week 6. The team is open to moving him. Doing so would require Chicago to cover some of his $8.75 million salary, but my sense is the Bears are comfortable with that. The experiment hasn't gone well.
The Bears are also weighing trade options with pass rusher Dominique Robinson, who could use a fresh start elsewhere. Teams such as the Cowboys, Cardinals and Commanders are short-handed at pass rusher. At running back, Khalil Herbert is the odd man out of the rotation and should receive interest. And offensive tackle Larry Borom (ankle) is eligible to return from injured reserve, so I could see teams inquiring on Chicago's tackle depth.
The Chicago Bears have a chance to have it both ways.
They can be aggressive for a player who may help them in their playoff push while simultaneously unloading multiple names for some extra Day 3 picks. While they would lose a higher 2nd or 3rd rounder, the extra capital from dealing someone like Borom, Herbert, or Davis would help soften the blow a bit. That is what smart teams always find a way to do. The only question is which teams might make a run at Borom. His presence on the block isn't a surprise after all.
Rookie Kiran Amegadjie debuted a couple of weeks ago and should take over as the primary backup tackle moving forward. They also have Matt Pryor, who can play both tackle and guard. That leaves Borom in an awkward spot. Trading him makes the most sense for both sides. Teams like New England, San Francisco, Miami, and New York could be logical landing spots for him as they deal with injuries or other problems. It comes down to who makes the strongest offer.
