The Chicago Bears have done a lot of work leading up to the free agency period. General manager Ryan Poles has done anything but sleep, lately, managing to pull off a pair of trades to help bolster this team's offensive line.
In getting Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, Poles took a major step in addressing the Bears' top needs.
Still, Chicago has a big need on the opposite side of their line in finding another pass rusher or two to go with Montez Sweat.
In a recent hypothetical trade proposal, Bleacher Report suggested the Bears trade for Von Miller in a deal where the Buffalo Bills would be seeking cap relief. While Miller might have been a big name a few years ago, he's not the solution in Chicago.
Miller's cap hit for 2025 is over $23 million, and the Bears cannot afford to pay that kind of money for a player that's way past his prime.
The Bears should sign Khalil Mack rather than trade for Von Miller
If the Bears were to go after an older pass rusher, it should be a guy like Khalil Mack. Miller is two years older than Mack. Add in the ACL tear a couple years ago and the suspension last year for Miller, and the vibes are simply better around Mack.
It's unlikely a Mack contract would see an annual cap hit over $23 million as well, which would save the Bears some money on that front. Instead of trading a draft pick for Miller, signing Mack is the far better option.
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Poles has already traded a couple of draft picks recently, but they have been well-spent. Trading another pick for Miller, considering his contract, is not worthwhile.
Not to mention, a Mack return to Chicago would bring even more energy to the organization and city. There has been a lot of buzz about fans welcoming him back, should the Bears be interested.
In any event, signing a veteran pass rusher and drafting another one within the first three rounds seems like a logical plan of attack for Poles.
Ignore any potential trap like trading for Von Miller and move onto other options. That's the play.