The Chicago Bears made their big move ahead of the trade deadline by acquiring Jeffery Simmons from Tennessee. Most assume the only other possible move they could make would be to try to lure Khalil Mack out of Los Angeles from the Chargers. It doesn’t feel like the team would be sellers at this point. However, unexpected opportunities sometimes arise. You wouldn’t think an AFC disaster would have anything to do with the Bears, but circumstances have made it so.
The Baltimore Ravens went into Sunday healthy at quarterback for the first time in what felt like ages. Just hours later, they were victims of a catastrophe few teams ever want to think about. Lamar Jackson, who’d only just returned from a lengthy absence, injured the thumb on his throwing hand. He was immediately declared out and is expected to go on Injured Reserve. It got worse, though. Not long after that, Tyler Huntley, their dependable backup, also left the game with a foot injury that was later revealed to be turf toe.
Suddenly, the 4-4 Ravens will likely not have either of their top two quarterbacks. With undrafted rookie Joe Fagano as their only remaining option, many are wondering whether the team might go hunting for help on the trade market.
That is where the Chicago Bears come in.
It is common knowledge that Baltimore’s offensive coordinator is Declan Doyle. Prior to this year, he was the Bears’ offensive coordinator in 2025. He has direct ties to both backups, Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum. Each has more starting experience than Fagano and will likely have a solid understanding of the scheme Doyle runs, which is similar in many ways to Ben Johnson. Would the Ravens be willing to gamble on one of those two to help keep their season alive?
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In the past, the Chicago Bears haven’t seemed overly interested in trading Bagent or Keenum. They like the depth they have at quarterback. It certainly served them well when Caleb Williams went down with his hamstring injury earlier this year. That said, things have changed since then. The Simmons trade has emptied much of their draft coffers. General manager Ryan Poles might be keen on finding ways to accumulate more capital. If Baltimore is willing to offer a decent pick for one of them, it might be something he’s compelled to consider.
Who would Baltimore prefer?
Bagent is younger and more athletic than Keenum. That might be something Doyle prefers to utilize. On the other hand, Keenum is a wily veteran who’s learned offenses on the fly before. If anybody can get ready in a short period of time, it’d be him. The problem is Williams might not be happy about trading him. Keenum’s been a great mentor and sounding board for the past two years. Losing that during such an important season isn’t something Williams would be thrilled about.
Much will depend on the Ravens’ offer, if one is made. If they go for something like a 6th round pick, that won’t get it done. The Bears won’t upend a strength of their roster for such a pittance. If Baltimore wants one of them, they’ll have to make it at least a 5th and probably a little more. Are they willing to trust Fagano against Jacksonville next week and beyond?
