The Chicago Bears have not been able to trust Jaylon Johnson as far as their mascot, Staley, could throw Jeffery Simmons.
We have long seen enough.
Johnson has not been able to return to form, this season, and has hurt the Bears in a massive way. It's hard to watch, frankly.
He's allowed the highest completion percentage (73.7%), yards per reception (17.7) and opposing quarterback rating (124.3) of his career, through eight weeks.
With Johnson struggling, and the Bears having gone all-in on a Super Bowl with acquiring Simmons, there are a few trades Ryan Poles could make before the deadline in order to alleviate this nagging issue.
Donte Jackson goes from winless in L.A. to being a Super Bowl contender in Chicago
In this first scenario, the Bears are able to net positive on total draft picks.
Through Week 8, the L.A. Chargers remain winless at 0-7. Nobody is having any fun over out on the West coast. The Chargers have remained steadfast that they aren't interested in dealing any of their players, but I think that's been strictly a ploy in order to drive up asking prices.
For cornerback Donte Jackson, Chicago makes a lot of sense. He's in the final year of a two-year contract and is headed for free agency in 2027. His playing well, for a contender, could help him land another deal in the spring.
At the moment, Jackson is tied for the fifth-most interceptions by an active player with 23. One thing the Bears have struggled in doing this year, compared to 2025, is taking the football away at an elite level. Getting somebody like Jackson, who's historically had a nose for the football, gives the Bears a better chance at flipping the field on a regular basis.
Jackson has also been on his way back from a hamstring injury and hasn't played in a handful of weeks. That could make his price as cheap as it gets, with half a season still to play as he nears full health.
Bears snag Riq Woolen from the Eagles en route to another potential championship
How about the Bears flip the fifth rounder they got in exchange for Gervon Dexter Sr.?
The most polarizing cornerback, potentially available at the deadline, is Riq Woolen. Obviously, his size and speed combination are what has made him a tantalizing player at times. His big, tall frame and ridiculous speed are fun.
But, it's his decision making and the little things that have held him back, often. Woolen, despite his speed, has had a tendency to get burned. It happens just about every game, which makes this a risky move.
However, one thing we need to account for is the emerging Bears front seven. If Woolen has to spend less time in coverage, per snap, then he'll have less chances to get spun around by an opposing receiver.
I know that doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement, but Woolen has actually had some good moments this year. He has a pass breakup in five of eight games, giving him six on the season, in total.
He's been credited with giving up three touchdowns in coverage, but the Eagles are also second-to-last in sacks this year with 10. The Bears, meanwhile, have the fifth-most sacks with 22.
Once more, the less time Woolen has to spend chasing his receiver, the better. His speed is good enough to keep up with anybody. His size allows him to be a great press candidate when it's necessary.
And, with the Bears' front seven and Dennis Allen surely getting the best out of him, Woolen would be a worthy trade.
Nahshon Wright arrives to take his old Bears job back
The Jets aren't even using him. Ryan Poles could offer the bare minimum and land himself a starter.
Last year, we saw Nahshon Wright steal the job from Tyrique Stevenson. Now, with Stevenson clearly having given up his job to rookie Malik Muhammad, it's Johnson's turn to watch Wright storm ahead of him.
He's been one of the more popular and sensible trade-for candidates, as far as the Bears are concerned. And it makes sense.
Wright already knows the scheme in Chicago. He's familiar with Dennis Allen and had a career year in 2025, with five interceptions, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
We just talked about takeaways. At the very least, the Bears are getting a guy who has a nose for the football. He might take some risks, but those risks often lead to taking the ball away and flipping the field around.
I will live with the moments Wright may get beat so long as it means he's able to come up with some big plays -- something we have yet to see from Johnson, this season.
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