It has been speculated for weeks that the Chicago Bears might have another move planned at pass rusher. Plenty of reasons lined up for this. They’d lost Yannick Ngakoue to free agency and never replaced him. Their only significant move was trading back into the draft for Austin Booker. While the rookie has looked good so far in the preseason, many feel the team still lacks a true second option across from Montez Sweat. GM Ryan Poles didn’t commit to anything when asked, but the inactivity suggested the Bears were content to wait.
That changed on Wednesday. News dropped via insider Jordan Schultz that the Atlanta Falcons had traded a 3rd round pick to New England for pass rusher Matthew Judon. The four-time Pro Bowler had been in a contract standoff with the Patriots all summer. He wanted a new deal, but the two sides weren’t getting anywhere. Atlanta has been seeking edge help for months. As it turns out, another team almost beat them to the punch.
Chicago was right there at the end. It appears the Falcons ended up making the higher bid.
Ironically, the Bears may have tipped their hand on this. Matt Eberflus said during an interview with CBS that it was always good to have two pass rushers on your defense, and “that’s what we’re searching to do.” Most thought it was an honest miscommunication. Apparently not.
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The Chicago Bears’ options are now unclear.
It was announced earlier this week that Pro Bowler Haason Reddick demanded a trade from the New York Jets over a contract dispute of his own. He’s younger than Judon, but would be more expensive. Besides, the Jets have made it clear no negotiations would be entertained. So that is off the table for now. Ngakoue is still available, having recovered from his broken ankle last year. Veteran Carl Lawson is also a possibility. If the Bears still want to dabble in the trade market, that is somewhat murkier.
There isn’t anybody out there who is definitively available. One can only speculate at this point. Former Las Vegas Raiders 1st round pick Tyree Wilson might be one option. Word is he’s not going over well with the new regime there. Payton Turner, another former 1st rounder in New Orleans, has battled injuries through his first few seasons. He’s flashed promise. One name worth at least thinking about? Demarcus Lawrence. The Dallas Cowboys have a logjam of new contracts to hand out and may not have the cap space to get them all done. Sacrificing Lawrence might be one way to alleviate the issue.
Whatever the case, it’s evident the Chicago Bears are hunting.
