Over the past two years, nobody expected the Chicago Bears to be active at the trade deadline. They were rebuilding, after all. Giving up assets for veteran players went against conventional wisdom. GM Ryan Poles dismissed that traditional thinking. He acquired Chase Claypool for a 2nd round pick in 2022 and Montez Sweat for a 2nd round pick in 2023. Now that the Bears are 4-2 with a chance to make a serious playoff push, does anybody really think this GM will stay quiet at the deadline?
The only question is how aggressive they will be. Pro Football Focus thinks they are ready to take a calculated big swing. While everybody is focused on big-name pass rushers like Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby, there is another name that would be a perfect fit for this team's needs.
"Edge Carl Granderson to the Bears
After starting 2-0, the Saints have plummeted to 2-5, looking like a team in desperate need of a rebuild (albeit one depleted by injuries). Since it’s looking like an uphill battle to contend in 2024, moving an asset like Granderson would be wise.
Over the last three years, Granderson has quietly become one of the more solid edge rushers in the NFL. His run defense has been a calling card, but he’s honed his pass rush in 2024. Granderson’s 29 pressures are tied for sixth among edge rushers, and his 17.2% pass-rush win rate is tied for 12th.
The Bears would be a perfect fit."
Granderson would be such a Ryan Poles move.
For one, he is a good athlete with great size and length. Second, he is already on an established long-term contract that has three years left on it after this season. That would give Chicago long-term control, pairing the defensive end with Sweat for at least three years. Granderson has 11.5 sacks and 87 pressures since the start of 2023. He is highly effective at getting to the quarterback. Playing under defensive coordinator Eric Washington would give him a chance to achieve his potential even further.
Besides, the New Orleans Saints are in the middle of a massive salary cap crunch. If the Bears might be willing to absorb most of the money involved, that might reduce the draft capital needed to get him. Saints GM Mickey Loomis isn't above trading prominent players. He traded Reggie Bush in 2011, Jimmy Graham in 2015, Brandin Cooks in 2017, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson in 2022. If Ryan Poles presses the right buttons, this can happen.
