Alright Bears fans, let’s not kid ourselves — this Joe Tryon-Shoyinka trade ain’t the big splash anyone was hoping for. You didn’t land a difference-maker, you landed a dude who’s basically been a walking “meh” since he was drafted. But let’s unpack this thing anyway, because Ryan Poles made a move, and any move at 5-3 with the playoffs in reach deserves a look.
The Deal
Chicago gets:
- DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
- 2026 7th-round pick
Cleveland gets:
- 2026 6th-round pick
This is classic Poles — swapping late-round picks to fill a body-sized hole. It’s a depth move. Nothing more, nothing less.
Who the Hell Is Joe Tryon-Shoyinka?
You might remember the name if you watched the 2021 draft long enough to hear Roger Goodell mumble the 32nd pick. Tampa Bay scooped him up out of the University of Washington based on size, speed, and some decent college tape. Since then? He’s been the edge-rushing version of store-brand cereal: technically fine, but nobody’s excited to eat it.
NFL Stats (2021-2024):
- 74 games, 45 starts
- 15 sacks (3.75 per year)
- 147 tackles
- 8 passes defended
- 2 forced fumbles
2023 was the peak with 5 sacks. Then came 2024: 2 sacks in 15 games. This year in Cleveland? Nada. Zero sacks through eight games. Not even a whiff of a quarterback. He’s playing like someone who forgot what a pass rush is.
The Metrics Don’t Lie (They Scream)
Let’s cut through the 2025 fluff:
- Pass Rush Win Rate: 28.6% (4th among qualifiers)
- Pressure Rate: 10.7% (17th among qualifiers)
- Sack Conversion: 0% (3 pressures, 0 sacks)
Tryon-Shoyinka’s 2025 efficiency numbers look deceptively solid at first glance, but let’s be real — he hasn’t been on the field much this season. And his career stats? They paint a clear picture. This isn’t some hidden gem waiting to break out. This is who he is. JAG. Just a guy. The kind of player who flashes just enough to hang around but never enough to matter.
The Why: Injuries, Injuries, Injuries
The Bears' defensive line is being held together with duct tape and prayers:
- Dayo Odeyingbo? Torn Achilles.
- Shemar Turner? Torn ACL.
- Dominique Robinson? High ankle sprain.
They’re missing three rotational guys who actually mattered, and Sweat can’t play every down. So Tryon-Shoyinka becomes the emergency filler. He’s the tire you throw on your car when you’re stranded — not made for performance, just for survival.
What He Actually Brings
- Durability: He’s healthy. That alone makes him worth a flier right now.
- Versatility: Has played in 3-4 and 4-3. Dennis Allen can plug him in.
- Size: Prototypical edge frame. Looks the part, even if he doesn’t play like it.
- Run Defense: Flashes of quality, including a one-time 91.7 PFF run D grade.
But let’s be clear: he’s not saving this defense. He’s eating 15-20 snaps per game, hopefully without getting smoked.
The Real Problem: Bears' Pass Rush Is Still Toothless
- 19 sacks this season (21st in the NFL)
- 30.4% pressure rate (25th)
- 237.6 passing YPG allowed (21st)
This trade doesn’t change those numbers. You’re still hoping Montez Sweat stays hot and Austin Booker turns into a game wrecker. Tryon-Shoyinka? He’s not fixing jack.
So Why Even Bother?
Because Poles had no choice. The market sucked, the cap space is tight (~$7.88M), and anyone worth a damn was too expensive. Jaelan Phillips went to Philly. The Bears got the Dollar Tree version.
But here’s where Poles deserves some credit: he didn’t overpay. He bought low, took a dart throw, and didn’t give up real capital. No one’s crying over a 2026 6th-rounder.
Final Verdict: Grade: C+
This is a C+ because it’s a smart panic move. Not a game-changer, not a disaster. Just a necessary evil with a short shelf life.
Bears fans, don’t expect fireworks. Expect a dude who suits up, rotates in, and maybe gets half a sack by Christmas. He’s here because the Bears needed a body. That’s it.
