11 offseason trades that make sense for the Chicago Bears

This offseason, the Chicago Bears are going to be one of the top teams to watch as free agency begins.

New general manager Ryan Poles is renowned as a former offensive lineman who comes in with a fresh, unique perspective. Without a doubt, he’s going to build around franchise quarterback Justin Fields.

However, hiring new head coach Matt Eberflus means the Bears are not going to be completely focused on offense this offseason. Despite having a pretty solid defensive core intact, the Bears do have some holes to fill.

Before free agency officially kicks off on March 16, or maybe during the frenzy that’s to come, Poles and the Bears should consider making some deals — 11 specific trades, as a matter of fact — to upgrade certain positions and possibly acquire additional 2022 NFL Draft capital. Note, I am not saying the Bears should make every one of these trades, but they should make at least a few of them.

The Chicago Bears should deal for Miami Dolphins Noah Igbinoghene

One of the Bears’ biggest pain points over the entirety of the 2021 season was in their cornerback room. Jaylon Johnson had an average season, for the most part, but we know he’s a very good player. He just had a hard time being counted on as the only above-average cornerback the Bears had.

Other than Johnson, the Bears didn’t have anyone step up at the position. It took months for Matt Nagy to finally allow sixth-round pick Thomas Graham Jr. to be elevated to the active roster and get some playing time. Graham took full advantage with a big first game against the Minnesota Vikings, and in prime time, so the Bears may have something going forward in the former Oregon standout. But, they should explore trading for another young, athletic cornerback.

Noah Igbinoghene is a former first-round pick that hasn’t quite found the field as much as he’d like to in Miami, since being drafted in 2020. Igbinoghene is a 5-foot-11 corner who possesses freak athleticism, which is what made him so tantalizing to the Dolphins two years ago.

Since Miami hasn’t used him, and he’s failed to make an impression, the Bears should look to acquire him and allow Matt Eberflus and Alan Williams to try and mold him into the pro he has the potential to be.