The Chicago Bears have always made moves this time of year under GM Ryan Poles. It’s not unreasonable to expect more of the same, especially after the team moved to 5-3 and has an injury-riddled roster. They need help in multiple areas. That doesn’t mean they will make multiple trades, but it isn’t crazy to imagine they seek somebody on the market to help fill one of the gaps. Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reported on Sunday that the Bears were being aggressive, with the pass rush market being their primary focus.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune confirmed this in his latest column. It appears that Poles had an eye on a particular name as the deadline approached. That is former Miami Dolphins 1st round pick Jaelan Phillips.
If Bears GM Ryan Poles believes a struggling pass rush is the missing link for the team to become a playoff contender, it’s possible he’d be in the mix. There are many layers to this discussion, and one question the Bears would have to answer is whether any trade acquisition would be a legitimate difference maker. If their answer is yes — or perhaps — could they look to do business with Kelly?
I wrote over the weekend that it seemed likely the Bears would be an observer at the deadline this time around, even though Poles has made some big in-season moves in his short history atop the team’s personnel department.
One source suggested the Bears have interest in Phillips, a first-round draft pick in 2021 who is playing on an expiring contract.
It made sense. Phillis is still playing on a modest contract, is only 26 years old, and has generated a lot of pressure despite Miami’s defensive struggles. Unfortunately, the compensation proved an obstacle. The Dolphins wanted a 3rd round pick. Chicago apparently balked at that, knowing there was a chance they wouldn’t re-sign him after the season. Philadelphia, which had two 3rds, took advantage.
The Chicago Bears are in a tricky spot.
They do want to help the pass rush. They’ve lost three key players to injuries, two of them season-ending. Austin Booker’s return helps, but their depth situation is dangerously thin. Hunting for some rotational depth makes sense for the Chicago Bears. The challenge is finding someone who can actually have an impact without being too expensive. It is a tough needle to thread.
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There is also the fact that Poles doesn’t have extra draft capital to spare. Chicago has seven picks next year, which is the standard amount. Given the current state of the roster, it doesn’t make sense to give away valuable picks. This roster is not one player away from the Super Bowl. This move would be about whether it could help them make a push for the playoffs.
We’ll see if the right opportunity presents itself in the next few hours.
