Bears trade deadline gambit: Jeremiah Smith shapes a Ryan Poles swing

Gambit: one of the coolest members of the original, animated X-Men series.

See also, its literal definition: a strategic move, remark, or opening action—often involving a calculated risk or a small upfront sacrifice—undertaken to gain a long-term advantage.

As the NFL's trade deadline approaches on November 10, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles needs to take precisely that, a calculated risk.

One of the most-likely sellers at this year's deadline also happens to be a team that is currently well in the running for that no. 1 overall draft pick in 2027: the Los Angeles Chargers, who sit at 0-6 after Week 7 and are well on their way to landing Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Smith is the clear-cut, consensus no. 1 player in this next year's draft class and, despite any other needs on that Chargers roster, there's no way they don't take Smith if they indeed wind up at no. 1 overall.

And, what better way to solidify yourselves as the no. 1 overall pick than to sell off some of your trade-worthy assets?

Tuli Tuipulotu is the ultimate trade deadline gambit Ryan Poles could take

If we're looking at players the Bears could potentially trade for, out in L.A., there are two key names that come to mind. First up, let's look at pass rusher Tuli Tuipulotu. As it stands, the Chargers don't appear ready to move on from the 2023 second-round pick.

But, that could change in the coming days, as things often do.

Tuipulotu's situation is a unique one for Poles to navigate. He would certainly qualify as the "calculated risk" type.

For starters, the Bears would have to trade fairly-premium draft capital to get him. Quite frankly, it would take either a second or a third-round pick to get it done. Maybe even a Day 3 pick added in just to ensure they get the highest bid.

But, from there, the Bears then need to figure out an extension for him. Tuipulotu is in the final year of his rookie contract and, although he isn't playing quite near the level he did last year, the 24-year-old would come expecting a long-term deal.

And, Bears fans would expect a long-term deal for a player on an expiring deal. It only makes sense. Otherwise, he isn't worth the half-season rental.

On the season, Tuipulotu has just 2.0 sacks. But, he does have 19 pressures, courtesy of PFF. Just last year, he broke out with 13.0 sacks and 70 total pressures.

It's tough sledding for him right now, as the Chargers just plain stink. Could that be attributing to his level of play this season? Absolutely, he's only human.

But, in Chicago, he'd be a young, defensive cornerstone piece on a winning team. That changes things drastically. Going forward, in the interim, the Bears could be operating with Tuipulotu, Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker. Looking even further ahead, the Bears could cut Sweat in 2027 and save $21 million (which I think they end up doing), making a Tuipulotu extension much easier to absorb.

A Khalil Mack trade still seems like the most likely Chargers-Bears trade

Now, if we're talking less of a calculated risk and more of a no-brainer type of move, the Chargers are also currently home to a Bears fan favorite in Khalil Mack.

You'd better believe if the Bears do end up bringing him back to Chicago, Soldier Field would be littered with 52 jerseys at the next home game.

Sidenote: Adam Schefter's already reported the Bears have called on Mack, so let's keep the anticipation level high, for now.

Mack, like Tuipulotu, has had a little bit of a down last few games after starting hot with 3.0 sacks in four games. And again, it's tough to get motivated to play your best ball when playing for a team that's down in the gutter.

Coming back to Chicago, Mack would provide the emotional lift in addition to his on-field talent. The energy infused into this defense, with Mack in the fold, would be second to none.

We all remember the jolt felt when Mack first arrived. Now 35 years old and not quite the player he once was, Mack is still playing at a high level. He'd provide a burst on that side of the ball in no time.

Whether it ends up being Mack or Tuipulotu, or even another pass rusher, this Bears defense could benefit greatly. The secondary has some serious question marks with the play of Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson being as poor as it's been, and your secondary's best friend is a stout pass rush.

Mack could easily be had for a fifth-round pick, and at this point, I'd assume the Chargers let him choose where he wants to play.

I don't see him choosing anywhere else.

Oh, and one more thing: do you remember Gambit's superpower in the original X-Men?

Straight from Marvel: "Gambit's mutant power dramatically accelerates the kinetic energy of objects, which allows him to give those objects an explosive charge."

That might just be the perfect Khalil Mack comparison. Just sayin'.

Any major Bears-Chargers trade helps L.A. land the no. 1 pick and, presumably, Jeremiah Smith

That brings us back around to the Chargers as an organization. What do they do with Justin Herbert? Mike Mcdaniel? Coach Harbaugh?

Do they entertain a Herbert trade?

I cannot answer any of those questions

But, I can tell you that the idea of Jeremiah Smith in a Chargers uniform has to be at the forefront of that fan base's thinking at this point. There's no chance the Bolts make the playoffs, and some serious changes are on the way.

Landing the consensus top player in the draft is one way to start righting the ship, and a trade involving one of your top pass rushers will certainly continue to steer you in that direction.

Mr. Poles, go on and help the Bolts out all while helping yourself.

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