The Chicago Bears haven't been mentioned much regarding the trade deadline, at least at the national level. Part of that is probably the uncertainty with their record. They started 0-2 and only now reached 3-2 after three consecutive wins. They look like a team poised to go on a run with a slate of winnable games lining up for the next month. It isn't unreasonable to think a calculated trade might give them some extra juice. The question is how aggressive GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson want to be.
Information on that is uncertain. Some believe Johnson isn't ready for such moves this early into his tenure. Others think his desire to win now might push Poles to make a move. As always, it comes down to the right opportunity. If the Bears don't want to get too aggressive, Bill Barnwell of ESPN believes there may be a potential bargain worth exploring. It would involve unloading one of their former mainstays in exchange for some much-needed help on the defensive line.
The idea seems sound.
Raiders get: OT Braxton Jones
Bears get: Edge Tyree WilsonJones would step in at left tackle on an emergency basis for the Raiders, who are going to be without Kolton Miller for an extended period of time after he suffered a serious ankle injury in that loss to the Bears. Stone Forsythe has been at left tackle and allowed sacks and quick pressures in each of his first two games. He's not a viable solution. The Raiders have another option in third-rounder Charles Grant, but he is more of a developmental player and hasn't played a single offensive snap so far in 2025. It's unclear if the Raiders can or will actually trust him to protect Geno Smith, who needs more help up front...
...With their pass rush managing just seven sacks through five games, the Bears need to add more help. Their expensively assembled edge rush duo of Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo has more roughing the passer penalties (two) than sacks (one) this season while playing starter workloads. Adding Wilson would be taking a swing on a dynamic prospect who just turned 25 in May. At the very least, Wilson might reduce the workload of the starters, helping to keep them fresh for passing downs. He's owed $4.2 million in guaranteed money next year and has a potential fifth-year option available in 2027, though it would take a dramatic turnaround for the Bears to pick up that year given Wilson's existing form.
Wilson would be the type of player Ryan Poles has liked.
History shows he prefers bigger guys with long arms and power, as evidenced by Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter, and Dayo Odeyingbo. Wilson very much fits that mold, standing at 6'6 ", 275 lbs, and boasting 35-inch arms. The former 1st round pick hasn't lived up to his lofty draft status in Las Vegas, but he's been fairly productive. Last season, he had five sacks and 37 pressures. This year, he has two sacks and 11 pressures, with eight of them coming in the last three games. Not only that, but he's shown considerable progress as a run defender as well.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen would know exactly how to use him. He deployed players of his type for years in New Orleans. If the Raiders feel Braxton Jones could help them, it's not a crazy idea. It would be an unfortunate end for him in Chicago, but it would open the door for him to get back on the field. Meanwhile, Wilson joins a defense that fits him better.
