People are already speculating what the Chicago Bears might do at the trade deadline in the next few weeks. You can understand why. The team is 3-1 and starting to look like a serious contender. It would make sense for them to get a little aggressive in bolstering their roster for a Super Bowl run. The obvious question is, who do they target? So many names have been thrown around, from Khalil Mack to Danielle Hunter and Jeffery Simmons. All of them would be tremendous additions in name value if nothing else. However, there is one factor that isn’t being accounted for. That is the tendency of general manager Ryan Poles.
One must remember that he is the one who works the phones on these deals. After four deadlines, he has developed a pattern regarding the types of players he targets. Of the 13 veteran names he’s added since 2022, only two of them were 30 or older: Joe Thuney and Garrett Bradbury. Both cost mid-round picks. He has never given up a premium pick (1st or 2nd round) for a player older than 27.
| Player | Position | Age at Trade | What the Bears Gave Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| N’Keal Harry | Wide Receiver | 24 years old | 2024 7th-round pick |
| Chase Claypool | Wide Receiver | 24 years old | 2023 2nd-round pick (32nd overall) |
| DJ Moore | Wide Receiver | 25 years old | 2023 1st overall draft pick (Package deal) |
| Dan Feeney | Offensive Lineman | 29 years old | 2024 6th-round pick |
| Montez Sweat | Defensive End | 27 years old | 2024 2nd-round pick |
| Ryan Bates | Offensive Lineman | 27 years old | 2024 5th-round pick |
| Keenan Allen | Wide Receiver | 31 years old | 2024 4th-round pick |
| Darrell Taylor | Defensive End | 27 years old | 2025 6th-round pick |
| Joe Thuney | Guard | 32 years old | 2026 4th-round pick |
| Jonah Jackson | Guard | 28 years old | 2025 6th-round pick |
| Joe Tryon-Shoyinka | Defensive End | 26 years old | 2026 6th-round pick |
| Garrett Bradbury | Center | 30 years old | 2027 5th-round pick |
| Clark Phillips III | Cornerback | 24 years old | 2027 6th-round pick |
Knowing Ryan Poles, the name to watch is Chop Robinson.
It’s no secret that the Miami Dolphins have entered a rebuilding phase. Their new regime already shipped out much of the roster this past offseason for draft picks and cap space. The former 1st round pick was one of the few they kept. He just had his best game of the season, adding 8 pressures and a sack against Minnesota on Sunday. It feels like the 23-year-old is starting to realize some of that significant potential he showed at Penn State in college. Former Bear Kyle Long thinks he’s rounding into a complete player.
If there is one player that screams Ryan Poles target, it is Robinson. He’s young, talented, and dedicated to playing hard on every snap. Miami is 0-4 this season, looking like one of the worst teams in the league. They’re nowhere close to competing for the playoffs anytime soon. They might consider unloading Robinson at the deadline while his value is peaking. He has another year left on his rookie contract with the 5th-year option still available. There is no doubt he would give the Bears defense that speed option off the edge that they don’t really have.
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The big uncertainty is Dennis Allen.
As everybody knows, he is a proponent of big defensive ends with power and length. That is why they signed Dayo Odeyingbo and drafted Shemar Turner. Robinson isn’t normally his type of player. Then again, he has made exceptions in the past with guys like Von Miller and Khalil Mack. With how hard Robinson plays on every down, it probably wouldn’t be a tough sell to bring him aboard. Good defensive coaches can find ways to use a player like that. The only uncertainty is the price tag.
Miami will probably ask for a 1st round pick. More likely, it will hover around what the Bears gave up for Montez Sweat a few years ago. If a 2nd rounders is where it settles, that is a price worth paying. Robinson is still just scratching the surface of his ability. Landing in a strong situation like Chicago is sure to further help his development. If the Bears do make a move, keep an eye on this one.
