The Chicago Bears are widely expected to be active at the trade deadline next month. They’re 5-2 and look like one of the better teams in the NFC. One strong move at the deadline could push them to the top of the heap. Either that, or they could make a couple of minor moves to bolster their depth at key positions. Most of the talk over the past few weeks has been around the edge rusher position. That is no surprise, as the team hasn’t gotten standout production from that group. It’s only gotten worse with injuries and suspensions hitting it. However, there is an almost equal problem at cornerback.
Jaylon Johnson has regressed significantly this season, looking like the worst of the team’s starters. Tyrique Stevenson has battled injuries, while Malik Muhammad is a rookie. It feels like the Bears need another option to freshen up the mix. While some notable names could be available, one that seems like an obvious choice is Nahshon Wright. The Pro Bowler had 5 interceptions last season with Chicago, opting to sign a $3.5 million deal with the New York Jets as a free agent. However, the team has barely played him this season.
It feels like he can be had on the market and won’t be expensive to acquire.
The Chicago Bears wouldn’t be done there.
Everybody has already heard the rumors surrounding Khalil Mack for weeks. Those were fanned even further by both Adam Schefter and Jay Glazer this weekend. It’s pretty clear the Bears are interested in bringing the former All-Pro back to the Windy City for one more round. It makes sense. He’s 35 and looking to play for a contender. They need more juice for their pass rush. It would be a mutually beneficial pairing. Mack has indicated on multiple occasions that he misses Chicago. Bears fans want him back.
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It is far from crazy to think the team could bring both players back. Projections have Mack costing around a 5th round pick to acquire from the Los Angeles Chargers. Wright won’t have much of a market, so he’ll likely be gettable for a future 7th rounder. The Chicago Bears could add quality depth pieces to their defense for pennies on the dollar. Even better, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen worked with both players. He knows exactly what they can do and how to deploy them.
Much depends on how aggressive the Bears want to be.
General manager Ryan Poles hasn’t been afraid to take big swings in the past. The Montez Sweat trade is a big example there. However, in recent years, he has opted for a budgetary approach, flipping mid- and late-round picks for veterans who can bolster the team’s depth. This time could be different, though. The Bears have the look of a team that is a legitimate contender. When that happens, the logical approach is to try to give it one last shove forward with a front-line acquisition.
There are some big names out there who could be had. Maybe the Bears take another crack at Maxx Crosby. Jeffery Simmons seems like an obvious option as well. They’ll just have to pay a high price to get them. If Poles decides it’s too high, then he’d probably score points with fans by bringing Mack and Wright home, all without breaking the bank.
