The Chicago Bears won their third game in a row on Monday night. Suddenly, they've gone from 0-2 to 3-2. Now their schedule might be entering its softest period. New Orleans (1-5), Baltimore (1-5), Cincinnati (2-4), and New York (2-4) are their next four games. Nothing is a gimme in the NFL, but this stretch could catapult the Bears straight into playoff contention. There has been obvious improvement since the season began across the roster, but this team still has certain areas that don't look strong enough. GM Ryan Poles has one last opportunity to address them with the November 4th trade deadline approaching.
After the performance D'Andre Swift had in Washington, it feels like running back won't be an area they look at. However, the market seems considerably different for pass rushers. ESPN revealed its latest intel on where things stand. The list of names that could be available couldn't set up any better for Poles if he wants to be aggressive.
Fowler: Other potential options I suspect the 49ers will check on include edge rushers Rashan Gary (Packers), Jaelan Phillips (Dolphins), Bradley Chubb (Dolphins), Jermaine Johnson (Jets), Will McDonald IV (Jets) and Arden Key (Titans). If the Packers won't part with Gary -- and I don't think they would -- they have pass rusher Kingsley Enagbare, a former starter who's relegated to a reserve role in a contract year. Pass rusher could elicit the most movement on the trade market overall, and I suspect San Francisco will be involved to some extent.
This is good news for the Bears.
Keep this in mind. Dayo Odeyingbo has eight total pressures on the quarterback this season. Phillips (20), Chubb (13), McDonald (13), and Johnson (9) all have more. Johnson has played two fewer games because of injuries.
Ryan Poles' likeliest targets aren't difficult to pinpoint.
Currently, the Bears are limited in terms of cap space. That means pursuing a player with a large contract isn't really feasible. That means if Ryan Poles does want to make a move, the two names to watch are McDonald, Johnson, and Phillips. All three are still on their rookie contracts with cap numbers hovering between $3-4 million. Knowing how Poles operates, he'd be more inclined to target McDonald or Johnson because both have one more year on their respective deals through 2026.
It would give the Bears some much-needed flexibility since cutting Odeyingbo or Montez Sweat isn't likely until 2027. If one of those two came over and excelled, Poles would be able to extend them right as the big contracts for Sweat and Dayo become movable.
As to compensation? The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins will likely be seeking high draft picks in return for these pass rushers. A 1st rounder is out of the question due to their contract situations. Smart money says it will hover around a 2nd round pick.
