The Chicago Bears haven't been mentioned much on a national level as a team expected to be aggressive on the trade market. Part of that is likely because they're 2-2. Nobody is yet sure if they are a serious player in the NFC. That will likely be determined over the next two weeks with their matchups against Washington and New Orleans. If they can win both, it might prompt them to be more aggressive before the November 4th deadline. The obvious question is who may or may not be available.
Multiple top insiders provided some answers to that question. Both ESPN and NFL Network released columns detailing some names that are getting serious traction on the market. The good news for the Bears is that the majority of them play positions this team needs help at.
- EDGE Trey Hendrickson
- EDGE Arden Key
- EDGE Bradley Chubb
- EDGE Cameron Jordan
- RB Alvin Kamara
- RB Breece Hall
- CB Riq Woolen
Chicago only has five sacks on defense and the second-worst running game in the NFL. Adding a playmaker at either position could make life much easier for the team as the hardest stretch of their schedule looms in November and December.
The Chicago Bears will likely dictate their actions by price tag.
Adding a big name is always fun, but not if it comes at an exorbitant cost. Hendrickson and Chubb would be serious upgrades to their pass rush. The problem is they also come with hefty price tags. Their respective teams will probably want at least one high draft pick in the 2nd round range. That is without mentioning their big contracts. Key and Jordan would be more affordable, but also less impactful. Jordan has just 2.5 sacks in five games. Key has 1.5. It doesn't make much sense to trade for them since the return is likely to be minimal.
A running back would be a more affordable option, both financially and via draft compensation. Hall can be a really good player in spurts. When healthy, he is a load. He's also still on his rookie contract. He could bring something to the table that the Chicago Bears don't have. Kamara is still a star, though aging. His contract is more problematic, but there is no question he'd be a weapon in the backfield.
Much of this will be decided Monday night. If the Bears escape Washington with a win, they may get the green light to make a move. If not, Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson will likely decide to hold onto the picks they have.
