The Chicago Bears addressed their defensive line issues by trading for Jeffery Simmons. They should get Dayo Odeyingbo back after the bye week. That should put the unit in good hands. As a result, all eyes have shifted to cornerback. Most agree that it is the one position that could be the weak link both against Tampa Bay and as the season moves toward the second half. To that end, there was a massive news dump on the subject Sunday morning, starting with the health situation.
Ian Rapoport reported that rookie Malik Muhammad, who’s been their most consistent corner, is set to return from his turf toe issue. Tyrique Stevenson, who’s dealing with an injured thumb, plans to play through it as well.
That wasn’t the end of it, though. There is also some buzz on the trade front. Josina Anderson provided an update that the Bears have been talking to the Jets about Nahshon Wright. His familiarity with the team is obvious after 5 interceptions last season. New York has barely used him since he signed a one-year deal with them. There is confusion about why the Jets are resistant to making a deal.
The Chicago Bears can’t control what’s happening there.
It’s not like the Jets are in the middle of a playoff push and wish to keep a guy as emergency depth. They’re 2-6. Clinging to a player who is a free agent after this season makes no sense. Still, there isn’t much the Bears can do. They won’t overpay in draft capital for somebody they know other teams aren’t clamoring for. This is purely an attempt to find some depth and flexibility at cornerback. Wright knows the defense already. He would fit in seamlessly. Maybe New York changes their stance at the deadline, but right now they seem dead set against selling anybody.
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That leaves general manager Ryan Poles with two options. He can maintain the status quo and hope the Bears’ current contingent of corners is good enough. Or he can go hunting for help from another team, likely paying a higher price in the process. He already did it once this month when he went from DeForest Buckner to Jeffery Simmons. Obviously, he won’t be that aggressive, but rumors persist that the Bears GM is calling everywhere to gauge the market.
Much may depend on what happens against Tampa Bay.
This will be a game where the Chicago Bears have their full contingent of cornerbacks. Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Stevenson, and Muhammad are all available. If they can limit the Buccaneers’ passing attack effectively, that may convince Poles to stay his hand and let the deadline pass. If Baker Mayfield has a good night, don’t be surprised if the Bears try taking one more swing before the final tick of the clock on November 10th. This GM has made deals right before the buzzer in the past.
The next 48 hours should be enlightening in several ways. Getting Wright back would certainly add ball skills to the secondary. His knack for turnovers can’t be a bad thing. The problem was always his inconsistency. He is very much a feast-or-famine player. That might be part of why the Jets refuse to play him. Either way, the Bears will have answers soon enough.
