What a Chicago Bears debut it was for Jeffery Simmons. The newly-acquired defensive tackle gave the entire unit a facelift just by being present.
It was truly magical, what happened to that Bears defense, against the Seattle Seahawks.
Even though the Bears look like a completely different defense with Simmons, though, that doesn't mean general manager Ryan Poles should stay complacent at the NFL trade deadline.
Before the November 10 deadline this coming Tuesday, Poles still has some options, and he should strongly pursue them.
Chicago still, most notably, needs help in the secondary. That was obvious all night against Seattle, but it's nothing new to Bears fans.
How does Poles address the remaining trade needs without giving up too much draft capital?
There are some strong options that shouldn't cost much, at all.
4. Khalil Mack, EDGE, Chargers
Of course, the love affair with Khalil Mack will continue until the deadline firmly passes.
To this point, the Chargers have shunned the idea of selling by the deadline.
News flash: they're lying.
A Mack deal is absolutely still on the table for both the Chargers and the Bears.
Mack would be welcomed back to Chicago with open arms. He would only lift a defense on the rise, but suddenly, pass rusher might not be the most pressing need.
The Bears saw what Jeffery Simmons can do to the rest of the defense, as a whole, just last Monday night. Even before the Simmons trade, though, we were seeing elevated play from the likes of Austin Booker and Daniel Hardy.
Now, with Simmons in the middle, those guys will get even more chances to win one on one. Of course, Montez Sweat looked like a completely different player against the Seahawks, as well, and the Bears also have Dayo Odeyingbo coming back soon.
Still, seeing Mack return to the Bears wouldn't be a bad move. He'd give this Bears defensive line the necessary depth for a Super Bowl run.
Mack hasn't notched a sack in three games and is still stuck at 3.0 on the season, but I have a feeling that changes very quickly if he comes back to the Bears.
Possible compensation: 5th round pick
3. Alontae Taylor, CB, Titans
Here's the brutal reality: the Bears look like a Super Bowl team, but only if they are able to fix the cornerback position in a hurry.
We have talked way too much about Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson, lately, and for good reason. They have been downright putrid. There's no better way to put it.
The Bears desperately need a cornerback to roll out opposite Malik Muhammad when he's healthy and back in the lineup.
The Titans are clearly sellers, at this point, and the Bears already pulled off a massive deal for Simmons. Why not go back to the well?
Alontae Taylor is not a top-tier cornerback, but he'd be a step above Johnson and Stevenson. He's also versatile in that he's got 8.0 sacks over his 5-year career. Dennis Allen would love the versatility, there.
If the Bears inquired about Taylor, there's a feeling he'd be easily available in Tennessee.
Possible compensation: 6th round pick swap
2. Donte Jackson, CB, Chargers
The most talented cornerback who could be available, for the Bears, has to be Donte Jackson. The Chargers are a train wreck and Jackson is hstorically an above-average corner. He'd be an ideal acquisition for the Bears.
Typically, Jackson is good for a handful of interceptions each season. He has 23 over his career and has come up with at least three in five separate seasons. So far on this season, he has yet to pick off a pass. But, that would certainly change in Chicago. The defense has become rejuvenated, and Jackson's arrival would give him far more motivation in playing for a winning team.
He hasn't suited up for a month, as he's been trying to return from a hamsstring injury, but now is the perfect time for the Bears to go get him. He'll come cheaper off the injury and he's just now getting healthy.
Possible compensation: 6th round pick
1. Nahshon Wright, CB, Jets
Is Nahshon Wright the best overall cornerback who might be available? Probably not. Is he the best fit for the Bears?
That's where my head's at.
Wright is as much of a plug-and-play type of player you could possibly trade for, right now, if you're Ryan Poles. And for that reason, he tops the list.
Wright already knows Dennis Allen's defense. He thrived in it last year. And, although he does have a tendency to get burned ever so often, he's also one with a nose for the football -- and that's something you cannot say about either Johnson or Stevenson.
If Wright knows the defense and is somebody who could come in and take the ball away a couple of times down the stretch, then he is by far and away the Bears' best target as the deadline sneaks up.
The Jets aren't even using him, this year, either. Wright has been frustrated by his lack of a role, so it makes all the sense in the world to bring him back to Chicago.
Possible compensation: 7th round pick swap
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