Ahead of this year's trade deadline, don't be surprised if the Chicago Bears make a move. General manager Ryan Poles has made his fair share of deals during his tenure, and this year, the Bears have a real reason to be active.
At this stage in the season, there are still plenty of questions to be answered. But, the Bears have enough positive to build on that it makes sense for Poles to be a buyer. With Ben Johnson at the helm, this team has a different culture instilled and a collapse reminiscent of 2024 is far less likely to happen.
Yet, the concerns on this roster are still legitimate and the Bears should try to take advantage of some other teams being sellers. Not only that, but Poles can take advantage of some particular players on expiring contracts as part of a plan to try and re-sign them before they hit the market next year.
Ryan Poles should take a flier on one of these trade candidates set to hit the free agent market in 2026
DE Dre'Mont Jones, Titans
The Tennessee Titans have already announced they're sellers after moving on from Roger McCreary earlier in the week. Now, the Bears could take advantage of Dre'Mont Jones, who has racked up three-straight games with a sack.
The Bears' defensive line has come up short in this area, lately, to no one's surprise. Montez Sweat has made his presence known here and there, but other than that, the Bears are getting nothing out of 2025 free agent signing Dayo Odeyingbo, and the rest of the depth chart is barren in terms of legitimate pass rush prowess.
One other tidbit: Jones has experience playing both inside and on the edge, although he's become a full-time defensive end at this point.
EDGE Jaelan Phillips, Dolphins
Jaelan Phillips is an interesting one. As a former first-round pick by the Miami Dolphins, he has name recognition going for him. But injuries have been a problem. After posting 15.5 sacks over his first two seasons, Phillips has totaled 9.5 in his last 20 games since the 2023 season.
If Poles could get Phillips for no more than a fourth rounder, then it might make sense. Even that could sound too rich for Bears fans, but it's hard to imagine Miami parting ways with him for just a fifth-round pick. Instead, once Phillips signs a contract elsewhere in 2026, they'd be in line for a higher compensatory pick, in all likelihood.
CB Alontae Taylor, Saints
Finally, the Bears could use help at cornerback. We've seen injuries on the defensive line in recent weeks, but also at corner. Jaylon Johnson is obviously out a while, and Tyrique Stevenson has also been hurt.
The same goes for Kyler Gordon, who will now be out a bit. Fortunately, Alontae Taylor can play either outside or in the slot. The Saints aren't going anywhere, and they better be sellers, especially in order to try and right all of the financial wrongs they've made in past years.
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Taylor is only 26 years old and the Bears could potentially see what they have in him alongside Stevenson for the rest of the year, and in the end, figuring out which one they'd rather re-sign for the long haul.