If there was any question about how Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles views the team in the near-term, he answered it when he sent two first-round picks to the Tennessee Titans for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
There have been plenty of subsequent indications Poles may not be done making moves before Tuesday's trade deadline. Of course, he's also notably short on big-time draft capital after surrendering his next two first-round picks for Simmons. But in a broad sense the idea he's not resting on any laurels is a good thing, and circumstances can change quickly to create opportunities or needs that can't be foreseen.
That said, Poles still has to take a responsible approach to the remaining time before the trade deadline. Deadlines drive action, but it shouldn't be action for action's sake coming from Halas Hall.
Here are three proverbial last-minute trade ideas Poles absolutely should not, and truly cannot, entertain.
3 last-minute trade ideas Ryan Poles needs to avoid
3. A trade for an OT
The Bears' left tackle situation is looking a bit less than ideal right now. Braxton Jones (knee) is out for the season, Theo Benedet (shoulder) is banged up despite being deemed able to play in Week 9 and Ozzy Trapilo's current readiness to fully take over protecting Caleb Williams' blindside is unclear.
If Benedet notably aggravates his shoulder issue against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night, and there's any doubt about Trapilo being ready to take his rightful place after the Week 10 bye, Poles could feel compelled to trade for a left tackle.
Teams who have a left tackle option they'd part with could also sense a leverageable opportunity to try to fleece the "all-in" Bears' GM, which should lead him to disengage immediately. Not to mention how, even if Benedet were to be injured worse less than 48 hours before the deadline, a trade for a left tackle might not be necessary with the bye week to follow.
2. Forcing a trade for an edge rusher
Everyone wants to see Khalil Mack, who still has plenty left in the tank, come back to the Bears on a winning team and there has been plenty of rumors mentioning the fit. But the 0-7 Los Angeles Chargers are remaining stubborn and steadfast about not wanting to trade anyone, with particular strong sentiment about keeping Mack around.
Poles could pivot to another edge rusher before the deadline, like Josh Sweat or Will McDonald, but the addition of Simmons helps the entire defensive line. The looming return of Dayo Odeyingbo and the emergences of Austin Booker and Daniel Hardy adds depth to the situation. Simmons' presence has already been shown to be the kick in the butt Montez Sweat needed.
Poles showed he's all-in by trading for Simmons. While it's possible he's not done wheeling and dealing before Tuesday afternoon's deadline, a trade for a big-name edge rusher is not required to further prove his aggression.
1. Giving up anything for CB Nahshon Wright
There's plenty of buzz attaching Wright to a Bears' reunion, from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport naming him as a potential target to Brendan Sugrue of Bears Wire suggesting Wright would be open to coming back.
Wright is reportedly not thrilled with his playing time, and has told the Jets so. He has literally played zero defensive snaps in three games he has suited up for this season, and New York's pass defense has generally been fine without him.
Wright had a Pro Bowl season for the Bears in 2025, with 80 total tackles, five interceptions, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and a team-high 11 pass breakups. But he was very up and down in general, allowing 800-plus yards and more than 13 yards per completion in his coverage. The fact he only got a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million from the Jets said it all about how the league viewed his breakthrough.
It's also telling the Bears, presumably with some opportunity to do so, did not match or exceed that deal Wright got from the Jets. They also did not make a notable free agency move to replace him, choosing to go with who they already had before drafting Malik Muhammad.
Wright coming back to the Bears is a nice idea, given the issues Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson are having. But they also know what Wright is and isn't as a player, and they could've brought him back on a cheap one-year deal in March. If they want to consider a reunion, they can possibly just wait for the Jets to cut him without having to give up anything in a trade.
If Poles wants to trade for a cornerback, and he should, he needs to go all the way with someone like Riq Woolen. Wright would be a lame half-measure, and Poles has already shown he's not inclined to do half-measures in this trade deadline period.
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